Kristyn R. Smith is a New York-based running coach, masters athlete, and proud Six Star Finisher. This will be the eighth consecutive year she has run the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America.
A passionate runner with a wealth of marathon experience, Kristyn shares her insights, tips, and personal experiences to help guide runners preparing for Boston.
What makes the Boston Marathon special compared to other races you’ve been part of?
The Boston Marathon is so much more than the race itself. Each of the seven communities along the route, and the city of Boston as a whole, lifts and embraces runners throughout the weekend in a way that feels truly electric. When you run Boston, you feel like a guest of honor. Walk into any coffee shop, restaurant, or hotel on race weekend, and you’ll find people ready to welcome runners with open arms.
This is shaped by a mix of factors: the 130-year history of the race, the lasting impact of the 2013 terrorist attacks, the city’s compact layout, and the long weekend of Patriots' Day, which is a state holiday. Whatever the reason, the red carpet is genuinely rolled out for everyone who comes to run.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone preparing for Boston for the first time?
If you have a specific time goal, studying the course is essential. Boston’s elevation profile is the opposite of what most marathoners would ideally want, so you need to prepare both mentally and physically to handle it correctly. Beyond the hills, Boston has other surprises: a late start and unpredictable spring weather that can change on a dime. Even if you’re running without a time goal, factoring these aspects into your training, planning, and packing will make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
What should runners know about race week in Boston?
Boston Marathon week is packed with events. The BAA hosts bands, panels, and elite meet-and-greets across multiple venues, including an expo stage, finish line stage, and Fan Fest. Check the official schedule for details. Major running brands and sponsors also host their own gatherings, often along Newbury Street, which runs adjacent to Boylston Street where the expo and finish line are located. Boston is nonstop from Friday to Monday, so if you want to experience everything, plan to arrive early.
What moment from your Boston Marathon experience stands out most?
I’ve run Boston more than any other race, at any distance. I’ve had favorite races I’ve repeated, but Boston is the one I can’t get enough of. The 2026 race will be my eighth in a row, and I hope to run it every April for as long as I can.
Because I’ve raced it so many times, no single moment stands out; the years blend together. That said, I’ll always treasure the first time I qualified for Boston. That BQ was the culmination of months and years of hard work and countless sacrifices. Boston began as a dream, and even without proof of success, I believed in myself enough to take the chance. Running this race continues to challenge me to bet on myself, and that is a feeling I’ll never forget.
What is the one thing you hope every Boston Marathon participant takes away from the race?
People come to Boston in different ways. Not everyone is a time qualifier, and no one can tell how another runner got their entry. Every participant is celebrated, and rightly so. The unicorn on the medal represents something pursued but never captured. In Boston, the journey is the reward itself.
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