Ran this back in 1996 (geez 20 years ago?) and can honestly say it was perhaps the highlight of all my running experiences. If you have any chance to get to an earlier spot on the course, consider Wellseley College at the midpoint, the fire station right before runners ascend heartbreak hill, or from the top of heartbreak Hill on the way to Boston College. These last two are the spots a runner needs to see a friendly face. The College is mostly for you. All the coeds come out and scream for the runners. More importantly it is roughly 1500 coeds....
