Saturday, October 21, 2006

Hometown thrill...the BOSTON MARATHON, 1947



America's first marathon took place on Patriot's Day, April 19th, 1897 in Massachusetts. It was the Boston Marathon consisting of just fifteen runners and covering 26 miles from Hopkinton to Boston's historic Back Bay.

Today the Maraton is host to over 20,000 runners and, although considered one of the premier foot races of the world, it still retains the route that was plotted out in 1897.

This course runs directly through the town of Wellesley on Rt. 9, once known as "The Old Post Rd." This is where I grew up and each year we would anxiously await the day of the race. Then we would line up on the main street of the town and cheer on the runners of our choice. It was especially exciting in the 40's because Clarence DeMar (1888-1958) was still alive and running. (That is he in the picture) He was the legendary figure who won 7 Boston Marathons, 1911, '22, '23, '24, '27, '28 & 1930.

I was 14 in 1947 and I remember that year in particular because, not only was DeMar running but it was also the beginning of the handicapped racers and it was amazing to watch them. Of course in those days all the participants were men. It would be 25 years before women were allowed to join in.

In Massachusetts Patriot's Day is a big deal. It commemorated the anniversary of Paul Revere's famous ride and, although the Boston Maraton waa just part of the day's festivities it was always my favorite.

4 Comments:

Blogger Chancy said...

The Boston Marathon would be such fun to watch and Wellesley is a picturesque place with the college and town.

1:32 PM  
Blogger Anvilcloud said...

It's a very famous event, and it's nice to know a bit more about it.

9:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I didn't even know there WAS a Boston marathon! That must have been quite fun!

12:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Really enjoyed this post, Ginnie. As you know, I'm also a fellow Bostonian and I always had a warm spot for Patriot's Day and the Marathon also.
But....I never knew that women weren't always allowed to run. Thanks for sharing that bit of info.
I still look forward to following the Boston Marathon on TV. Old habits die hard, I guess....

8:45 AM  

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