However, Jablonski laughs, sideliners were alsomore than happy to offer her and other runnersbeer, in drink or shower form.

The End Is Near

Coming into the Boston city limits, the numberof spectators starts to increase.

"The spectators were great," says Thomas,describing how the crowds roared her name, whichwas written on her leg, as she ran.

"It's probably the closest I'll ever come tobeing some sort of public figure," she says,laughing.

The famed Heartbreak Hill comes at the 17thmile, which is one of the toughest points in therace for many runners.

Lerer, who will run for the first time thisyear, is already dreading the hill. He explainsthat "the race is a net downhill and HeartbreakHill is such a big uphill."

Next comes what Harte describes as "five or sixmiles of sheer pain, trying to get home."

Near the finish line, the streets start toflood with bystanders.

"It's a great finish to the race," Harte says."It's probably one of the most exciting finishesto a marathon."

Sweet Relief

Are the months of training and hours of painworth it in the end?

No doubt it is for the winners. Champions inboth the women's and men's categories will win$80,000 this year, with possible bonuses forcourse and world records.

Runners-up will also receive a prize.

But for the average runner, whose only materialprizes are oranges and Gatorade?

"We're tested academically enough here, but Ireally want to know that I can do something likethis," Lerer says. "I think I will be really happyto say I competed in the Boston Marathon."

Jablonski confirms Lerer's post-finish linehopes.

"It was so worth the experience, and it wasprobably the best experience I've ever had," shesays. "Crossing the finish line you get the mostamazing rush--you can't believe it. It's just anamazing feeling.