We look at some of the memorable races and incidents throughout the long history of this great race.
The first race – April 19, 1897
Inspired by the 1896 Olympic Marathon, John Graham, a member of the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) and manager of the US Olympic team, decided to organize a marathon in the Boston area.
The 24.5-mile course from Ashland’s Metcalf Mill to Boston’s Irvington Oval was chosen, and from a starting field of 15 (10 finished) John J.
The Boston Marathon was originally called the American Marathon and was the final event of the BAA Games.
Change of Course – 1924
The course was lengthened to 26 miles, 385 yards to meet Olympic standards, and the starting line was moved west from Ashland to Hopkinton.
Heartbreak Hill was born in 1936
The last of Newton’s hills was nicknamed “Heartbreak Hill” by Boston Globe reporter Jerry Nason. When John A. Kelly caught eventual champion Alison “Tarzan” Brown on the hills of Newton, Kelly made a friendly gesture by patting Brown on the shoulder. Brown responded by regaining the lead on the final hill and, as Nason reported, “broke Kelly’s heart”.
Bobby Gibb Makes His Mark – 1966
Although not an official participant, Roberta “Bobbie” Gibb became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. Joining the starting field just after the gun, Gibb finished the race in 3:21:40 for 126th place overall. Gibb claimed the “unofficial” title again in 1967 and 1968.
Catherine Switzer – 1967
Signing her application “KV Switzer,” Kathryn Switzer became the first woman to receive a bib at the Boston Marathon. According to his own estimate, Schweitzer finished in 4:20:00. In 2017, Schweitzer returned to Boston and ran on the 50th anniversary of his memorable 1967 race, finishing in 4:44:31. His bib number 261 was retired at a ceremony on 18 April 2017.
Official for women – 1972
Women were officially allowed to run the Boston Marathon, and Nina Kuszczyk led the field of eight to win the race in 3:10:26.
Duel in the Sun – 1982
The 1982 Boston Marathon, known as the “Battle in the Sun,” was an iconic race in which Alberto Salazar narrowly beat Dick Beardsley in 2:08:52 to set an American record and record in intense heat that reached the low 70s. The race saw the rivals battle it out closely for the final miles, with Salazar coming up Commonwealth Avenue to win by just 2 seconds.
in AMD: 1986
With generous support from main sponsor John Hancock, prize money was awarded for the first time, with Australia’s Robert de Castella earning $60,000 and a Mercedes-Benz for finishing first in a course record time of 2:07:51. On the women’s side, Norway’s Ingrid Christiansen won her first of two Boston Marathon titles in 2:24:55. He got $39,000 and a Mercedes-Benz. (Christiansen won his second title in 1989.)
Boston bombing – 2013
On a glorious day of racing, Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa and Kenya’s Rita Jeptoo won in 2:10:22 and 2:26:25, while Hiroyuki Yamamoto (Japan) and Tatiana McFadden (USA) won the wheelchair titles. In the afternoon, as the runners were still running toward the finish line, tragedy struck when two explosions occurred on the final stretch of Boylston Street. Reacting heroically, medical personnel, volunteers, law enforcement officers and spectators quickly came to the aid of the many injured. Bombings and attacks in Boston killed four people. After April 15, 2013, runners and citizens from around the world united as one to celebrate the strength and resilience of community. “Boston Strong” became a rallying cry for everyone, showing our determination to win stronger through adversity.
Meb’s moment of victory – 2014
American Mebrahtom (Meb) Keflezighy crossed the finish line first on Boylston Street in a personal best of 2:08:37, winning the race. Keflezighi was inspired by the memories of those affected by the tragic events of the 2013 Boston Marathon, becoming the first American to win the open race since Greg Meyer in 1983.
READ MORE. We explore the magic of the Boston Marathon
Kenya’s Rita Jepto apparently ran a course record of 2:18:57 to finish first, although her result was later overturned in 2016 due to a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Thus, Buzunesh Deba was declared the champion and the new course record holder thanks to the time of 2:19:59. In the men’s wheelchair division, South African Ernst van Dyk won his 10th Boston Marathon title, while Tatiana McFadden of the United States retained the women’s crown.
Des and Yuki Beat the Weather – 2018
American Desiree Linden and Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi dominated in some of the worst weather conditions in the race’s history. Driving rain and very strong winds made it difficult for all competitors, but didn’t stop Linden from becoming the first US woman in 33 years to win the open division. Kawauchi was the first Japanese men’s champion since 1987.
