Boston marathon 2019

WithCheesePlease wrote: »

Hey, I might take you up on your offer if you don't mind!

I've signed up for next year, can't wait. I'm curious about race day logistics... From brief googling I can see waves could have one starting any time up to almost noon (I'm in the 35-39 bracket with a BQ time of 2:58). I'm curious, once you cross the finish line, is it quick enough to make your way through to grabbing your medal and all the way to collecting your dropped bag and away? Or is that all a bit of an ordeal with crowds and security? I'm all for soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the occasion and the experience, but at the same time, I booked myself on the Aer Lingus flight back on the Monday night at 21:30 for a reason that seemed logical at the time, but I'm now starting to wonder if I've made a giant mistake! Any thoughts? I'm sure it's going to be doable, but just wondering if there's anything particularly nutty about the post-race experience that I should be aware of?

If you have a BQ of 2:58 you will be in either corral 3 or 4 of the first wave. Up he very front basically. Congratulations.


https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bzUY6jAoCkk/WIgX3iydhhI/AAAAAAAAMIU/Q28d-mycqgEBx8sUQoIkSfhIFBBPXAM2ACLcB/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/Boston%2BMarathon%2B-%2B2016%2BCorrals.jpg

Collecting your bag, medel, goodie bag, etc is extremely simple. You continue on down Boylston after the finish, collecting your stuff. The baggage drop is at the end near Boston Common, where you started in the morning.

The security is the same as for the DCM, and way less onerous than Berlin which is my only other point of reference.

I wouldn’t like to go back on the Monday night as you will miss out on the postrace buzz, events and free visit to Fenway Park, etc. You’ll see all the details of these events in your start card once it arrives next year. The Tuesday evening flight would be my preferred option. On Tuesday morning there is a great buzz of people walking around in their jackets and medels in the city centre – yes, they actually do this in a non-ironic way. You can also get your time sewn onto your jacket (jacket costs about e85) or engraved onto your medel for free in I think the Addidas shop by the finish line.

PaulieYifter wrote: »

Debating myself whether to head home the night of the race or hang around. Will probably hang around. There is a great buzz around the city even the day after with loads of random congrats.

By the way my time is 2:59 so likely to be in the same corral as you WCP depending on how wave 1 is carved up.

Are you getting the jacket I've never regretted not getting it despite what people kept telling me!

thomas anderson. wrote: »

Where do you get the jacket? Can you buy one at the expo?

It’s hard to get out of the expo without buying one!

https://www.baa.org/2019-boston-marathon-qualifier-acceptances

4.52

4:52, wow, I thought it would be lower because of the bad weather. Did ye see that they are taking 5 minutes off all the qualifying times for 2020?

https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a23481338/boston-marathon-qualifying-times/

So 2020 qualifying times will be reduced by 5 mins... I must try harder as they are taking away my auld age advantage ☺

Limpy wrote: »

Paulie what's the difference in start times for the waves. Let's say wave 1 elites and speedys, how long after is segment 2 of wave 1 waiting to cross the start line?

Elite Women c. 9:30
Elite Men and Wave 1 10:00
Wave 2 10:25
Wave 3 10:50
Wave 4 11:15

I was in Wave 1 Corral 5 (maybe 6) last time and it took 3 minutes to cross the start line. I was allocated this slot for a 2:59 qualifying time.

The Waves and Corrals within the Waves are evenly distributed based on qualifying times (or any improvements submitted) with the fastest to the front.

Although its busy as any big marathon start is it moves very well from the start as its well policed and you are running in the middle of people with similar qualifying times so the people around you generally shift at a similar pace.

Limpy wrote: »

Did you travel with thtr misses, how did they find getting a spectator spot and moving around on the day.

Did you get the early bus?

I haven’t brought the missus and family over so don’t know what the logistics for spectators are like.

I’ve generally taken one of the early buses out but for 2018 given the horrendous weather I left it a bit later. Because of the jet lag you’re likely to be awake early enough anyway.

The athletes village is comfortable enough to hang out in early on as long as the weather is fine. The time passes quick enough there and you can soak up the buzz.

WithCheesePlease wrote: »

So far I have the Raheny 5 mile beginning of Feb and the Dungarvan 10 mile the week after.

I'm looking at options for a half on the run up to Boston if anyone has any suggestions? I'm Dublin based. I've seen

- The Mullingar Half, would be my preference but it's Paddy's Day so might not work. Kids / parade / etc.
- A Wicklow Half on Sunday the 24th March, but I'm not sure I like the look of it
- A Half in Galway on Saturday the 2nd, but it's a bit of a trek from Dublin

Could always just do the Mallow 10 mile in Cork on Sunday the 24th March instead

Anyone have any other suggestions?

Bohermeen half , March 10th .. fairly flat and good standard of race