The First Boston Marathon And Its Incredible History
Kellar Ellsworth
Author
April 19, 1897, marked the first Boston Marathon, the godfather of modern marathons that eventually spread to nearly every major city in the world. The inaugural Boston Marathon came a year after the first modern marathon ever, held during the Athens Olympics the year before and inspired by the historic race that dates back to 490 B.C and the Greek soldier Pheidippides. That tireless soldier ran directly from the battle of Marathon to Athens, delivering news of the Greek’s victory over the Persians. Over 2,000 years later Boston began a tradition that continues today. Over the course of its influential history, the Boston Marathon witnessed many incredible firsts. These are her stories.
The athletes have come a long way from the late 19th century. (getty)
Boston Marathon’s Creator
The incredible event came from the Boston Athletic Association and U.S. Olympic team manager John Graham. The Association was founded with the bohemian mission to "encourage all manly sports and promote physical culture." Inspired by the Olympic Marathon from the year prior, Graham and Boston businessman Herbert H. Holton put their heads together to create a route.
The Boston Marathon times have dropped precipitously since its inception. You can see why.
After much deliberation, their course ran through many suburbs before entering the city toward the latter half of the race. They also measured rather poorly, ending with a 24.5-mile road race. Roughly 10 years later they did course correct to the standard 26 miles and 385 yards in 1908.
The photos that laid the groundwork for women to participate. (CHAARG)
1897 vs. Today
The first Boston Marathon before the turn of the 20th century did not even faintly resemble the massive event it is today. Rather than 30,000 athletes in tip-top shape, 15 runners participated with just 10 making it to the finish. The winner, John J. McDermott, even walked several of the final miles and still won by a comfortable six-minute and fifty-two-second margin.
The marathon also initially featured bizarre mile markers like 19 ⅞, which running legend Amby Burfoot found especially ridiculous. Women were actually barred from participating until one brave woman and her burly boyfriend decided to make some waves.
The number 261 was retired thanks to its historical significance.
Begging For Forgiveness > Asking For Permission
In 1967, Kathrine Switzer signed up for the marathon using her initials, “K. V. Switzer,” to avoid giving away her gender. Wearing a gray sweatsuit, Switzer avoided detection at the start but after a few miles race officials attempted to physically remove her from the course. Her boyfriend at the time body checked the race official and Switzer kept on trucking.
The resulting photos and controversy started a conversation about women’s place in sports. Switzer went on to run in several more marathons, trailblazing for athletic equality. Just five years later women were admitted into the field.
The finish of the first Boston Marathon. (reddit)
Heartbreak Hill
As the event quickly grew in popularity, coverage grew exponentially. During the 1936 running, Johnny Kelley passed his rival Tarzan Brown on the incline around Beacon Hill and patted him on the back. The move so infuriated Brown that it inspired him to a first-place finish. Boston Globe reporter Jerry Nason wrote that Brown "broke Kelley's heart" on the hill, which gave birth to the moniker, “heartbreak hill.” Funnily enough, the hill only creates a 91-foot elevation change but trying telling that to anyone between mile 21 and 22 of their race.
The finish today looks just a bit different.
Cheating Scandal
Besides allowing women into the event, the Boston Marathon also made the world of racing aware of the possibility of cheating. Prior to 1980 very few people even considered the prospect of runners cheating in a marathon. Then Rose Ruiz came along. In 1980, with just a few miles left, a noticeably fresh and unfatigued Ruiz miraculously appeared just miles ahead of the finish line. Race officials immediately became suspicious and stripped Ruiz of her medal. Later it was found she also cheated in the New York City Marathon by taking the subway.
The marathon that inspired countless other cities. (bostonmagazine)
Significance
Today, half a million people flock around the course to watch 30,000 runners torture themselves. The attending athletes, families, and fans bring in an estimated $192 million to Bean town’s coffers. For many years the marathon was held on Patriots day, marking the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Eventually, it was moved to the third Monday in April, but the event still represents the ethos of Boston and the city’s incredible history.
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Kellar Ellsworth
Author
Kellar Ellsworth was born and raised in Hawaii. He is an avid traveler, surfer and lover of NBA basketball. He wishes he could have grown up in the free love era!
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