Boston Is a Two-Marathon Town

Every year in late April, Boston becomes a runner’s city as restaurants load up on carbohydrates for the thousands of athletes that descend on the city for the Boston Marathon. But Monday’s race isn’t the only show in town this year. Over 150 elite female runners will compete in the 2008 Womens Olympic Marathon Trials on Sunday morning.

We spoke to Cambridge’s own Carly Graytock, who will making her second attempt to make the Olympic marathon team this weekend.

Graytock ran in the 2004 Olympic trials, but didn’t finish due to serious injuries, including a blood clot that had reached her lung. She qualified for this year’s trials with a 2:43:19 finish in the 2006 Boston Marathon. To train for Sunday’s race, she commuted to her job in Cambridge on foot.

“It’s a great way to get mileage in and have efficient commute,” she said. On weekends, she ran around Fresh Pond, and other local loops.

Why the dual-race weekend? Cities put in a bid to host the Olympic trials a couple of years in advance, and it’s not uncommon for the trails to take place in cities where high-profile marathons are about to take place. Graytock’s boyfriend ran in the Men’s Olympic Marathon Trials the day before the New York City Marathon back in November.

She is happy to run a race so close to home. “It’s great to sleep in my own bed, and stay at home and make dinner instead of finding somewhere to eat. And my friends don’t have to travel to come and cheer me on.”

Graystock is not overly optimistic about her chances of making the Olympic team, which will be comprised of the first three women to finish, but that’s fine with her.

“It’s one of those goals you set out for yourself. After the health issues I had in 2004, my bigger goal is to finish. It’s cool to know you’re in there with the best, and know you competed with great athletes.”

The 2008 Womens Olympic Marathon Trials start at 8 a.m. For more information on the route, check out our event listing.