BOSTON MARATHON
In the past I have offended some people by saying that The Boston Marathon is not really that hilly. Then when I say Heartbreak hill is not really a hill, oh that just sets them off. So My case in point with the numbers I've shared below.
Boston is one of the richest marathon running cultures I have ever experienced. No harm meant but the hills are not the challenge in this marathon, it is the downhill. This partly why it is ineligible for world records to be recognized on this course.
TOTAL elevation of the Boston Marathon is just over 800'. However, over the course, you will lose over 1200' of elevation (net downhill).
Start (Hopkinton): 490 feet
Mile 1: 360 feet (net change: -130 feet)
Mile 3-5: Continued descent to 180 feet in Framingham
Mile 21: 230 feet (prior to Heartbreak Hill)
Heartbreak Hill: Around mile 23, a climb of approximately 91 feet
Finish (Boston): 10 feet
You will be tempted to run faster than your pace. Especially early in the marathon. Hold to your goal pace. Going out too fast can shred your calves on the downhill, making the hills much more difficult than they should be.
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