It seems strange to write a review of the Boston marathon. I mean, it's BOSTON. But, after dreaming of running this race since I was very young, and now having finished it 3 times (2012, 13, 14), I realize there are things that I'd like to say to first-timers that no one said to me. I grew up not far from Boston, a 20 mile supported training run ran by my house every winter, and I watched it on TV every year (typically while playing hooky from school- NH doesn't get Pat's day off), and I thought, naively, that I KNEW this course.

1: It is OK to be a charity runner, charity runners for this event meet a VERY high standard, the fundraising goal can be as hard to reach as running a BQ!
2: There are many MANY more hills than the ones in Newton. Everyone knows about and reveres Heartbreak hill, and yes, the course has a net downhill statistic to its credit. However, the entire course is rolling hills. The start truly does feel like you are being pushed off a cliff, between that and the excitement and how expertly the corrals are seeded (the race management is second to none- except maybe Tokyo I hear), it is hard to NOT go out too fast. If you are passing people in the first 1.5 miles then you are going TOO FAST. Also, there is a hill that can really take it out of you shortly AFTER heartbreak hill, so be ready for that.
3: RESPECT the course. Seriously. Don't get cocky. When a course has been changed only in alterations to the exact position of the start and overall distance in 118 years: don't think you can outsmart it. Even though, like I said, the whole course is hilly, heartbreak hill really can take you to school.
4: YOU CAN PR on this course. As I've alluded to, one of the benefits of Boston is that we KNOW how it is best run. With a negative split. Respect those first couple of downhill miles, be patient for what is ahead, control your flirtations with the AMAZING spectators, and you will be rewarded when you start passing people as soon as mile 6.
5: AID STATIONS: like all big events beware and have a strategy for the water stops. Although Boston has fewer runners than many other major city marathons, the streets are much narrower, so you can feel pretty sardine-canned. There are aid station EVERY mile. So if you plan to skip one, don't stick to the tangents like you may be tempted, instead, run in the MIDDLE of the road. Gatorade comes first, and water second, there are stations on BOTH sides of the road, and they are staggered. Right side always comes first and the left second. So if you miss the first chance because of the throng of runners, stay calm and start merging (NOT cutting) to the left.
6: RESPECT event and the accomplishment. Wait until AFTER you finish to don your jacket. Ok, this is a teensy bit my own personal opinion, but it is also a revered TRADITION, and it seems to be fading as the sport continues to boom. Please, let's respect the marathon that begat all modern marathons, and wait until you finish to wear the jacket. (in fact, I was registered to run 2011, got injured, didn't run, ordered the jacket before that, and refuse to wear it) One of the things that keeps runners returning to Boston for streaks of 5, 10, 25, 30, and even more years, is the camaraderie. You see someone in your home town wearing a Boston jacket and you grin and nod at each other. Because you both know...
7: RELAX. The logistics on can seem daunting for Boston, but they have over 100 years of practice and it really is a smooth and classy operation. Do as you're directed, and things will go smoothly. Except when the weather is particularly bad (not marathon race day bad, but BAD), the time spent bussing to the start and in the athletes village goes by fast. Before you know it you'll be running (even if you woke up at 4am and don't start until 11am).
8: All that said, it is THE BEST race to take as a victory lap. What I mean is, if you aren't gunning for a PR, then enjoy everything this race has to offer. Spend too much time on your feet at the expo, walk the freedom trail (Boston history is USA history), eat a lobster roll on race eve (and some fried clams, what the hell) , go out fast at the start, check in on the Red Sox score frequently, chat with spectators in their front lawn BBQ's, kiss some girls at Wellesley, have a beer with the students at BC, high five 250 kiddos along the course, and soak up every second and every scream between the Citgo sign and the finish line, and post race, go ride the T - if for no other reason than marathon runners get free fair.