Updated: Mar 01, 2019 12:15 PM EST CA Notice at Collection for your best possible time. But only those who have run the course before as an entrant truly know how it feels to run the Boston Marathon.
Whether you’ve started in Hopkinton numerous times or are lining up for the very first time, we think these GIFs help show what running the Boston Marathon is really like.
When you’re walking around Boston before the race in your celebration jacket.
When you’re arriving at Athlete’s Village in Hopkinton for the first time.
When you have to wait around in Athlete’s Village, nervous AF, in a porta-potty line.
When you’re on the starting line, realizing it’s sooooo downhill at the beginning.
When you’re churning through the first few miles on those rolling hills … so fun, feeling fresh!
When you’re halfway through the Wellesley scream tunnel and there’s a ringing in your ears ...
… But at least you can grab a smooch.
When you’re entering Newton, just before mile 16, and realizing that the hills are coming.
When somebody running nearby reminds you that the really steep hill between 19 and 20 is NOT Heartbreak Hill.
When the downhill after Heartbreak Hill hurts just as much as going up.
When you’re smelling all the beer being consumed by the students at Boston College.
When you hit the tiny hill right around the 25-mile mark, thinking there were no more hills!
When you finally see the Citgo sign.
When it’s that final left onto Boylston Street! Finish line ahead!
When you hear the biggest crowd ever cheering for you to finish. It’s the closest you’ll ever get to knowing what it is like to be a Beatle. Or a Bieber.
