Over Memorial Day weekend I ran Boston’s Run to Remember half marathon. Eight years ago, this race was my first half marathon, and as I have often said, it holds a special place in my heart. After being away from the half marathon distance for almost 2 years, it seemed appropriate that this would be my return race!

 Boston’s Run to Remember Race Recap

I had planned to meet Kim & her mom at 6:30 before the race’s 7 a.m. start, so my husband J and I were up and out the door by 6. We breezed into Boston easily and then hit the crazy snarl of traffic as we approached the Seaport district. We were just two blocks from the start so we said a quick goodbye and I jumped out of the car and fell in with a long line of other runners heading to the start.

I found Kim & her mom at the Seaport World Trade Center, which is where the expo was held, had time for a couple of pictures, and to pin our tribute bibs.

The race offered a choice 7 different tribute bibs that could be worn on the back of our shirts during the run, and at brunch the day before, the three of us had decided to run in honor of Trooper First Class Walter Greene of the Connecticut State Police, who was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and served as a state trooper 28 years. Trooper Greene passed away from cancer as a result of his response and service in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Truly an honor to run with his tribute bib.

The starting line was self-seeded so with final hugs, we headed our separate ways to the different pace markers. Coach Marc wanted me to treat this as a supported training run – the goals were simple: run steady, enjoy the race, and celebrate the finish line! After some final words from Boston’s police commissioner, a nice rendition of the national anthem and helicopter flyover by the MA State Police, we were off.

Miles 1 – 3

The race takes you down Seaport Blvd and over the bridge to Boston’s Waterfront, then winding around Faneuil Hall & Government Center before heading out over the Longfellow bridge to Cambridge. Thanks to the wave start, the first few miles were not as congested as I remembered from past races. Despite being especially nervous while waiting for the start, I felt really relaxed once we started moving. J was waiting for me just as we came off the bridge which was great and I knew I’d see him again at the turnaround near Harvard.

Miles 4 – 6

For essentially the next 6 and a half miles the course is an out and back along the Charles River on Memorial Drive with some spectacular views of Boston. I could already feel the temps rising and took full advantage of each water stop. I had a fun group of women running around me and ended up striking up a conversation with one named Anne. Turned out it was her first half and she was running in remembrance of her brother-in-law who was killed in the line of duty protecting a woman and her child in a domestic abuse situation. By the time we hit the turn around point at the edge of the Harvard campus, we were in lockstep and would be running buddies for the remainder of the race. I spotted J again which was a great lift – I was really feeling the heat and could tell I was slowing down a bit.

Miles 7 – 9

Anne & I chatted off and on as we followed Mem Drive back past the MIT campus heading towards the Longfellow Bridge. I was feeling a little dehydrated and had to take some short walk breaks. It was all good – just keep moving. (Later I would learn temps had reached 80!).

Miles 10 – 12

Just after the 9-mile marker is one of my favorite sections of the course, as the road is lined with police cruisers from all over the state, lights flashing, and rows of first responders on both sides of street cheering and high-fiving runners. I’m telling you right now if that doesn’t get you going, nothing will! As we started over the Longfellow Bridge, I told Anne we had just a 5K to go. We weaved through the Back Bay and then around through the Downtown Crossing shopping area. By this point, I was so ready to be done – my legs felt heavy and I fully accepted that consistent walk breaks were just part of the equation now. Just before the final water stop was a huge Tribute Wall of names and photos of all the fallen first responders. “This is why you’re running” one of the volunteers called out. Yep, just the push we needed to finish.

The Finish

The course curled back around onto Atlantic Ave and both Anne and I picked up the pace as we were nearing the final bridge back to the Seaport. The crowd support here was so helpful! We crossed the line together and immediately gave each other a big hug.  Anne’s husband, a police officer himself who had also run, saw us finish and came over to take a few pictures before we got our medals and then said our goodbyes. I hit the finisher area for some post-race snacks before finding J to head home. Half marathon#14 done!

This race has so many pros:

• Well organized –  From the pre-race communications all the way through to the plentiful post-race food available, this race was very well organized. Packet pick-up was nice and easy.
• Attention to detail – From the badge-shaped bibs, to the tribute bibs, to the medal design with the choice of “challenge coin” in the center (I selected the MA State Police), and the Tribute Wall and incredible support from first responders along the course, I loved all of the elements designed to pay tribute to those who served.
• Legacy swag – In celebration of the race’s 15th anniversary, race organizers chose to acknowledge “legacy runners” with special swag. As this was my 5th running (I’d run both the half and the 5-mile option twice before), I received a great running hat!
• Great volunteers –  All of the water stop volunteers and course marshalls were super enthusiastic and encouraging!

If you get the opportunity to come to Boston for Memorial Day Weekend, I highly recommend this race. I’m already looking forward to the early-bird registration for 2020 😉

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down link-up.