If you're looking for a flat and/or fast course, this is not it. If you're looking for an early start, this is not it. If you're looking for an easy start and finish (convenience), this is not it. I didn't have a wonderful time at this race. You have to travel by bus to the start line from midtown and it took TWO HOURS without a bathroom. Then wait wait wait wait for your corral to start - and the porta potties are gross. But once you get started it's a great course -- just very hilly with the bridges. Mile 16 may cause you some trouble, so be warned.
Would not repeat this race. Definitely encourage everyone to train hills for this one. It's a doozy.

2018 was a wet and wild experience - never once did we see clear skies in our 4 days in Boston. However, it didn't dampen the spirits of the participants or volunteers. Boston Marathon is THE marathon to run and participate in -- and once you run it you know why. This historic course is net-downhill and you feel it at around mile 13 when it starts to flatten out. But the course support lifts you up the Newton Hills and soon you're flying down the last hill onwards to Boston proper.

The med tents and volunteers were top-notch during the cold and rainy race. I would love to run this again if the weather was better (and I could get a charity bib again!)

Tokyo is one of the more difficult World Majors because you can't carry personal water. You'll have water stations at every 2km or 3km (alternating) - so there is water on the course but often not enough. If you get cramps or are worried about dehydration in the last few kilometers of the race, then this is not the race for you. They're also very strict about the cut-offs and they're not consistent, so be mindful of that.
I had a great experience and enjoyed running the streets of Tokyo.

4 days. 48.6 miles. You'll feel very dopey by the end of the four days. It is not the distance that is killer, but rather the four early mornings. By morning 3 you'll feel like you're in a repeat time loop waiting in the Wonder Lot. I purchased the VIP tent for the half and full and highly recommend that - the weather was cold and it was nice to have a chair.

Picture stops were amazing. Course was great as always. Love this race!