By Hubert Williams
BOSTON, Massachusetts — I have conquered the infamous “Heartbreak Hill” segment of the celebrated Boston Marathon, which annually has posed one of the great challenges to athletes from throughout the United States and across the world, competing in this widely-publicized race for which there are no religious, sexual or age barriers. It attracts thousands of men and women.

The great 26-mile-plus Marathon is held every April under considerable security measures, particularly since the 2013 terrorist bombing of the race which killed three and injured 264. None of the athletes were killed or injured. Of the two brothers who carried out the terrorist act, one died in a shootout with the police; the other was captured, convicted in a Massachusetts court and sentenced to death.

As a precursor to marathon day, the city of Newton (one of those through which the marathon passes) has for the past 24 years arranged companion athletic and other activities for one day ahead of the race.
Its invitation this time said: “Already feels like Spring outside, so it’s time to start dusting off those running (or walking) shoes! The 24th annual Heartbreak Hill Road Race and Family Walk is a perfect way to shake off some of that cabin fever! “Just one mile, up and down famed Heartbreak Hill! Every runner receives an official digital-clock timer, a race medallion, goody bag and a free ticket to the pre-race pasta party at Newton City Hall.

“The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place runners in each category win a trophy! The first 500 registrations receive a free T-shirt. There are free activities for kids organized by the Lasell College Special Events students. Not a runner? Everyone can walk the course at 11:30 a.m.” Fast-walking the course was my preference.
The Marathon route covers 26 miles and 385 yards of sometimes hilly, sometimes flat, terrain between Hopkinton and Copley Square in the city of Boston.
The race starts in Hopkinton, located to the west-south-west of Boston, on Route 135. It continues east on Route 135 through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley.
In Wellesley, Route 135 merges into Route 16. The race continues east on Route 16 into the Lower Falls area of Newton, just to the east of Route 128, where it merges onto Commonwealth Avenue (Route 30).

The race continues on Commonwealth Avenue over four challenging Newton hills, including the notorious Heartbreak Hill… all of them constituting more than four miles of ascending roadway, much of it patterned on the contours to the region’s reservoirs. I understand that because of the peculiarities of the Boston Marathon course, the race is not eligible for the award of world records.

This was an issue that arose following the 2011 Marathon when the winner, an African, Geoffrey Mutai posted a time of 2 hours 3 mins 2 secs, the fastest ever recorded over the marathon distance, and the IAAF ruled that the point-to-point nature of the Boston course was not in conformity with IAAF standards and also due to the fact that there is a net loss of elevation over the course that exceeds IAAF limits which were established in 1990.
Marathoners who survive the Heartbreak Hill exertion then continue through other areas such as Beacon Street, Fenway Park and Kenmore Square, where they veer right onto Commonwealth Avenue again and run a few more blocks toward the city of Boston, on the way to Boylston Street for the final four blocks to the Finish Line at Copley Square near the Boston Public Library.

In the exciting Newton preliminaries to the big event, hardly anyone among the thousands gathered on Heartbreak Hill would have taken any note of my achievement. Nothing special… for they were all seeking to accomplish the same thing.
However, I glowed. It was the first time that I had set foot on this widely publicized international sporting landmark… the Heartbreak Hill, reputed to be among the world’s very tough marathon courses.

The sunshine was truly Caribbeanesque. The temperature (64 degrees) – was a great improvement on the recent unspring-like freeze here.
Following my initial euphoria at having ‘conquered’ Heartbreak Hill, a member of my family group chose to put things into proper perspective: Oh yes ! It was an achievement to have fast-walked the inclined highway and back to starting point; but little compared with what the actual big day’s marathoners must endure… for they encounter Heartbreak Hill after they had been running 18 miles along the course…. crunch time.

I had gone by vehicle to the beginning of the incline, fast-walked a mile up the “hill” to a point where it seemed to level off, then back to starting point – along with a large group of people. The next several hours were spent enjoying the competition among hundreds of children, who in consecutive age groups from 8 to 16 were racing the two miles for public plaudits and prizes from the City Council – with contestants including my 9-year-old grandsons Mark Anderson and Lucas Williams, with their good friend Caleb Noel.
In years to come, I’ll likely boast about having conquered Massachusetts’ notorious “Heartbreak Hill” – without providing details.