Running on Longfellow Bridge with a view of the Charles.

Although this site focuses on races around southeastern Connecticut, I’m sure some people are like me and don’t mind traveling a little farther for larger races. Boston’s Run to Remember, a tribute to fallen police officers, featured a half marathon and 5-mile race that took runners right through downtown Boston. I ran the half marathon last Sunday with my friends from Run Rhody.

Both races started at the Seaport World Trade Center and looped through Government Center and Downtown Crossing. But the half marathon route went up to Harvard and back via Memorial Drive. Aside from a few slight hills to either go over or under bridges and then a mile-long incline at about Mile 11 (half marathon) or Mile 3 (5-mile race), the course was pretty flat and fast.

There were water and Gatorade aid stations at about miles 4.5, 6, 8.5, and 11. I think there were two port-a-johns on Memorial Drive at the 4.5-8.5 aid station which had lines of runners. So increasing the number of port-a-johns would be a huge improvement so people don’t have to wait around for so long during the race.

The course was fairly well marked, and there were split time displays at several mile markers. The start was also organized by pace which was nice, though I think some people really overestimated their projected finish time. But with 4000 people participating in the half marathon, I think a general organization of people by pace is key even if it’s not entirely accurate.

All in all, it was a nice race. For people looking for a fun, well-organized half marathon, I highly recommend Boston’s Run to Remember.

After the race at the Seaport World Trade Center with my friends from Run Rhody.