The Ultimate Guide to the Boston Marathon

One week to go!

2009-04-13T07:01:00.000-07:00

Nervous? Excited? Just relax and take a look at some of my past marathon postings. You'll find a ton of good advice from boston marathon winners--really, no lie!--and lots more to pass the time before the big day. may the wind be at your back--- and a guinness waiting for you at the finish line.

Boston Marathon 08

2008-03-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

Hi. If you haven't noticed yet, I took a year off from writing about the Boston Marathon. But that shouldn't stop you from checking out some of the previous posts. There are loads of tips from marathon champions (really, honest), history and fun stuff that will help get you ready for April 21. Hope it helps. Good luck. All the best.

Thank You

2007-04-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

I'd like to thank the thousands of volunteers who helped make the 111th Boston Marathon a success. Also, a very special thanks to all of you for checking this site to find out more about the world's greatest marathon. All the best.

The one thing before and during the race

2007-04-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

Two days ago I devoted a post to a listing of great books about the Boston Marathon. This training season I read Marathon by Clarence DeMar. Originally printed in 1937 (reprinted in 1981), the autobiography provides a glimpse into DeMar the man and the marathoner. He also has a few interesting insights on life as well, like the need to keep running in balance with the rest of your life.

But here's the passage I really enjoyed, and hopefully will help you tomorrow...

There is, however, one thing that I've always needed and which everyone else that I've ever known has needed, and that is concentration, both just before and during the race. Without concentration no one can be ready to throw all he has into the race and no one can do everything he is capable of in the contest. What printer, what business man, what editor, what school teacher wants distraction when he is working his hardest.

-from Marathon by Clarence DeMar

Work hard. Good luck tomorrow. See you after the race.

One more quote from DeMar...

Do most of us want life on the same calm level as a geometrical problem? Certainly, we want our pleasures more varied with mountains and valleys of emotional joy, and marathoning furnishes just that.

7-time Boston Marathon winner Clarence DeMar

An interview with Bill Rodgers

2007-04-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

It wouldn't be the Boston Marathon without a few words
from four-time winner Bill Rodgers. Check it out...

Bill Rodgers Interview

COMING TOMORROW: Find out the one thing seven-time Boston Marathon winner Clarence DeMar needed just before and during a race. It could help you on Marathon Monday, too.

Read all about it

2007-04-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

In between checking weather forecasts and deciding what to wear on Monday, relax with a good book and get into the spirit of the Boston Marathon.

Boston Marathon & Beyond. A collection of stories highlighting the history of the Boston Marathon, from the first race to the first women through to the modern day.

Alcorn, Alfred. The Long Run of Myles Mayberry. The novel’s main character, unsuccessful in the workforce,has a dream of winning the Boston Marathon. Describes his ambition and determination to capitalize on his lone chance at greatness in Boston.

Babon, Gene. The Race to Boston: Achieving Excellence in Long Distance Running. Combined with commentary on the author’s own racing experience, a training program developed by the writer to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Barnes, Linda. Dead Heat. An innovative sleuth with unorthodox tactics is in charge of protecting a senator who is running not only for re-election but also the Boston Marathon.

Beardsley, Dick and Maureen Anderson. Staying the Course: A Runner’s Toughest Race. The story recounts his amazing race against Alberto Salazar in the 1982 Boston Marathon, as well as the course of his life in the years following his narrow and unexpected defeat.

Benoit Samuelson, Joan with Sally Baker. Running Tide. One of the greatest runners in history — 1984 Olympic Gold medal winner and two-time Boston Marathon champion — tells her compelling story.

Benyo, Richard. The Masters of the Marathon. Biographies of several of the world’s greatest marathoners, including many Boston Marathon champions.

Blaikie, David. Boston: The Canadian Story. Canadian men and women who have made their marks at the Boston Marathon.

Brant, John. Duel in the Sun: Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America’s Greatest Marathon. The story of the famous battle between Salazar and Beardsley in the 1982 Boston Marathon.

Connelly, Michael. 26 Miles to Boston: The Boston Marathon Experience from Hopkinton to Copley Square. Personal account of the experience of running the Boston Marathon. Forewords are written by John A. Kelley,Bill Rodgers, and Uta Pippig.

DeMar, Clarence. Marathon. The seven-time winner of the Boston Marathon tells his story in this biography from 1937.

Derderian, Tom. Boston Marathon: The History of the World’s Premier Running Event. Year-by-year chronicle with sources including accounts from the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and several of Boston’s other daily papers from the early to mid-1900s.

Derderian, Tom. The Boston Marathon: A Century of Blood, Sweat, and Cheers. 100 people, places, and stories. Foreword by Bill Rodgers.

Driscoll, Jean with Janet and Geoff Benge. Determined To Win: The Overcoming Spirit of Jean Driscoll. Autobiography of her prolific career atop Boston’s wheelchair division.

Falls, Joe. The Boston Marathon. Boston Marathon champions, as well as the less extraordinary participants,and what motivates people to run the Boston Marathon.

Higdon, Hal. On the Run From Dogs and People. A humorous and entertaining survey of the sport of running, specifically the Boston Marathon prior to its mass appeal.

Higdon, Hal. Boston: A Century of Running. The author’s twenty-ninth book; written in anticipation of the 100th Boston Marathon; officially recognized by the Boston Athletic Association.

Hosler, Ray, ed. Boston, America’s Oldest Marathon. Historical account.

Kardong, Don. Thirty Phone Booths to Boston. A non-fiction collection of a runner’s stories, including one in which he maps the locations of key telephone booths along the Boston Marathon route and calls them on the day of the race as runners pass.

Kidd, Bruce. Tom Longboat. Olympic marathoner and Boston Marathon champion in 1907, this book’s main character is considered one of Canada’s finest athletes, having lost only three races in his amateur career.

Kram, Mark and Alex G. Campbell, Jr. Miles to Go. Tale of an American, a German, and a Japanese runner; each has his own motivations, but they are all determined to do whatever is necessary to win the Boston Marathon.

Kulper, Eileen with Michael Goodman and Skip Berry. The Boston Marathon. Illustrated children’s book highlighting the Boston Marathon’s history.

Lewis, Frederick and Dick Johnson. Young At Heart: The Story of Johnny Kelley, Boston’s Marathon Man. John A. Kelley’s uplifting vision of running and the human spirit.

Lonergan, Tom. Heartbreak Hill, The Boston Marathon Thriller. Fictional story of race-day complications,celebrity entries, and a swift investigation.

Marsh, Carole. The Mystery at the Boston Marathon. A group of kids tries to track down the mysterious whereabouts of their teacher who disappeared from the Boston Marathon.

McGillivray, David J. with Linda Glass Fechter. The Last Pick: The Boston Marathon Race Director’s Road to Success. The story of Boston Marathon Race Director, marathon runner, and motivational speaker Dave McGillivray. With a foreword from Joan Benoit Samuelson.

McKay, Robert. The Girl Who Wanted to Run the Boston Marathon. Young love and childhood dreams lead this novel to its finish, while the Boston Marathon looms as an elusive goal.

Nall, Sam. It’s Only A Mountain: Dick and Rick Hoyt, Men of Iron. Biography of a father and his son, who was born with cerebral palsy, and their incredible accomplishments competing as a tandem in road races and triathlons.

Rodgers, Bill with Joe Concannon. Marathoning. Autobiography of the four-time champion of the Boston Marathon with the Boston Globe’s longtime running scribe.

Semple, Jock with John J. Kelley and Tom Murphy. Just Call Me Jock. A collection of memories told through John J. Kelley and Tom Murphy, creating a story of the legendary Boston Marathon official and club manager.

Switzer, Kathrine. Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women’s Sports. The inspiring story of the woman who broke through the gender barrier in the marathon, propelling women to the sport’s forefront and helping to get the women’s marathon into the Olympic Games.

Tsiotos, Nick and Andy Dabilis. Running with Pheidippides. Stylianos Kyriakides, Greek winner of the 1946 Boston Marathon, ran to a miracle finish in efforts to save his country from famine.

Tuckman, Bruce W. Long Road to Boston. Inspired by his own racing experience, this author and avid runner creates a passionate story about a man’s race from Hopkinton to Boston.

Ward, Michael. Ellison “Tarzan” Brown: The Narragansett Indian Who Twice Won the Boston Marathon. The biography of 1936 and 1939 Boston Marathon champion Ellison “Tarzan” Brown. Includes a foreword by John J. Kelley.

Williston, Floyd. Johnny Miles: Nova Scotia’s Marathon King. Non-fiction account of a delivery boy from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, who won the Boston Marathon in 1926 and 1929. Halifax, Nova Scotia: Nimbus

Allen, Elise. The Traveling Marathoner: A Complete Guide to Top U.S. Races and Siteseeing on the Run. A guide to 12 U.S. marathons — one per month — which features the Boston Marathon in the “April” chapter.

Cleary, Kathleen. If This Is Heaven, I Am Going to Be a Good Boy: The Tommy Leonard Story. The story of the founder of the Falmouth Road Race, and the Boston Marathon’s Official Greeter.

Gaaserud, Micheala and Renee Dexter. From Fairbanks to Boston: 50 Great U.S. Marathons. Detailed guides of the top U.S. marathons.

Gibb, Roberta. To Boston with Love: The Story of the First Woman To Run The Boston Marathon. Her story of facing the odds and challenging institutions is affectionately written and directed toward the city.

Henderson, Joe, ed. The Boston Marathon. “Booklet of the Month” from Runner’s World magazine in April 1972; history, as well as highlights the 1971 race.

Nason, Jerry. The Story of the Boston Marathon: From 1897. Boston Globe booklet, presenting the history of the Marathon from 1897 to 1965, compiled by the newspaper’s running writer and sports editor.

Robinson, Roger. Heroes and Sparrows: A Celebration of Running. It is the first study of running as a literary subject and is included in most lists of the sport’s outstanding books.

Robinson, Roger. Running in Literature: A Guide for Scholars, Readers, Runners, Joggers and Dreamers. Robinson’s wit and intelligence crackle through this masterful guide to running’s place in literature.

Robinson, Roger and Kathrine Switzer. 26.2: Marathon Stories. Robinson and Switzer explore the history of the marathon through words and an extraordinary selection of photographs.

Sandler, Michael. Jean Driscoll: Dream Big, Work Hard. A children’s book about eight-time Boston winner Jean Driscoll and her struggle to overcome spina bifida to become a wheelchair champion.

Source: B.A.A.

Samuelson to receive Patriots' Award tonight

2007-04-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

The Boston Athletic Association will present the sixth annual Patriots’ Award to marathon legend Joan Samuelson tonight at "Cheers" in Boston .

The award recognizes a New England sportsperson or organization for contributions both to sport and to the local community.Samuelson burst onto the scene when she won the 1979 Boston Marathon. The Bowdoin College student crossed the finish line in a Red Sox hat—in a new American-record time of 2:35:15—forever endearing her to the Boston crowds.She will forever be remembered for her dominating gold medal performance in the inaugural Olympic women’s marathon in 1984.

In 1999 Samuelson, a native of Cape Elizabeth, ME, founded the popular Beach to Beacon 10K, utilizing a course that runs along the coastline of her picturesque hometown. Each year, the race chooses one Maine-based, youth-oriented charity to benefit, making a donation and providing fundraising opportunities for the organization. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Beach to Beacon 10K, and STRIVE—a non-profit organization serving developmentally disabled youth—has been announced as this year’s beneficiary.

Past recipients of the Patriots’ Award:

2002 New England Patriots / Robert and Myra Kraft

2003 Red Auerbach and the Red Auerbach Youth Foundation

2004 Ron Burton and the Ron Burton Training Village

2005 The Red Sox Foundation

2006 Dick and Rick Hoyt, Team Hoyt

Source: B.A.A.

Rain Rain Go Away

2007-04-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

From the B.A.A. -

As the Boston Athletic Association continues to make preparations for Monday's Boston Marathon, we are monitoring the upcoming weather conditions forecast for this area.

Based on the National Weather Service's most recent report and in cooperation with the Executive Office of Public Safety (Commonwealth of Massachusetts) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, together with the eight cities and towns along the 26.2-mile marathon route, we are planning for likely heavy rain and windy conditions on race day.

However, all race day plans remain the same.

The Boston Athletic Association advises participants in Monday's race to plan accordingly for their run, bringing with them gear and apparel to suit the conditions. The B.A.A. will continue to update this web site as necessary.

Quote of the Day

2007-04-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

The things we do should consume us. If they don't, our lives won't have any meaning.
- John J. Kelley, 1957 Boston Marathon champion

Thirsty for more?

2007-04-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, what to do after the Boston Marathon? Let's see. How about signing up for another marathon? The 2nd annual Great Boston Beer Marathon. I found this online in Boston.com's event section. 26 bars in 14 hours! As Homer Simpson would say, " woo-hoo!" Don't worry, you still have a couple of months to train for it--event is Saturday, June 23.

Here are some of the details if you're interested in going the distance.

2nd-Annual-Great-Boston-Beer-Marathon

What you get: (from website)

An Official Great Boston Beer Marathon t-shirt.

Waived cover at each of the bars of this second annual crawl.

Free Pizza at the end of the night

Entry into raffle for 32 inch LCD High-Definition Television

When: June 23rd, 2007 at noon til 2am of the 24th.
Cost: Currently only $22.00. Price may be going up so buy em cheap!

Here's a list of the some of the bars you'll visit:

Game on

Boston Beer Works

Jake Ivory's

Bill's Bar

Jillians

Tequiila rain

Lucky Strike

An Tua Nua

Common Ground

Tonic

Kells

Our House West

Copperfields

Cask N' Flaggon

Pizzaria Uno on Bolyston

Big City

Wonder Bar

The Draught

More to come...(dont worry, there will be twenty-six)

Nina Kuscsik

2007-04-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

Nina Kuscsik will be the official starter of the women's elite field, 35 years after she won the first official women's title at the Boston Marathon in 1972 with a 3:10:26 performance. She has entered the race unofficially three times before, but women were not recognized as official runners until 1972.

From the Boston Globe, Tuesday, April 18, 1972 ...

Mrs. Kuscsik happy depite 'poor' time

by Margo Miller

The winner, Mrs. Nina Kuscsik, thought her time of 3:10:26 was "pretty lousy". She's used to doing the Marathon in 2:56.

Runner-up Elaine Pederson came in salt-streaked but looking fresh as a daisy at 3:20:35 and said that she couldn't have done it without the "wonderful Boston crowds cheering you for the whole 26 miles."

And when it was over, Kathy Miller who was third at 3:29:51, recalled that last week she'd had a dream that Elaine Pederson had beaten her.

This 76th Boston Marathon marked the first time women were legal entrants. Mrs. Kuscsik, Miss Pederson and others of the Boston Nine "ladies" (as the crowds persisted in calling them had run before unofficially.

There was some confusion, but officials figured that Mrs. Kuscsik's time would have been good for about 410th place among the 1081 men. She said the relatively poor times for the women runners may have been due to "trying too hard at the beginning" out at Hopkinton.

For the winner, the "satisfaction was being first in the first official time women could run," said Mrs. Kuscsik peering out at the press from under a big floppy laurel leaf.

Practice running, said Elaine Pederson who does about 50 miles a week, is a great way to day dream and "solve a lot of your problems." But when you race your mind has got to be on form. "You aim for an eight minute mile," she said, and yesterday when she realized she was doing a 7:15 mile, the Boston Marathon was a great place to be.

The only hitch came at the end when the women's locker room below ground at the Pru was discovered to be utterly lacking in soap and towels.

Source: B.A.A., boston.com

Podcasting from Hopkinton to Boston

2007-04-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Steve Runner, host of Phedippidations, the weekly PodShow podcast for runners, will allow fans all over the world to track his running of the Boston Marathon in real-time and listen to his progress from start to finish.

"I look forward to sharing the experience of running Boston with my listeners," said Runner. "Through Phedippidations and PodShow, I am able to bring the world's oldest annual Marathon and one of the most prestigious of all road races to a truly global audience."

Running his 15th official marathon, and his 6th Boston Marathon, show host Steve Runner will present a series of audio programs in the month of April, covering the history, heroes and experiences of the storied event highlighted by his in-depth coverage of the 111th race on April 16.

Produced weekly and made available for weekend long runs, Phedippidations can be downloaded for free at http://phedippidations.podshow.com/. Steve Runner is a long time contributor to the international newsletter and website "Run the Planet," which attracts the largest world wide running community on the Internet.

Source: PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance

7th Annual Boston Marathon Kenya Project

2007-04-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

7th Annual Boston Marathon Kenya Project

Franklin Park Zoo, African Tropical Forest,

One Franklin Park Road, Boston

Wednesday, April 11 9:30 - 12:15

The folks at John Hancock have been active in this endeavor for the past six years. Once again John Hancock associates and executive managers will teach Boston elementary schoolchildren about Kenyan geography, culture, and language, as well as the Kenyan legacy at the Boston Marathon. Last year the children also received a visit from 2004 Boston Marathon men’s champion Timothy Cherigat.

The Church of the Finish Line

2007-04-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

Old South Church, located on the corner of Boylston and Dartmouth Streets in Boston, will salute the Boston Marathon with ten blue and gold banners flying from the Tower overlooking the finish line.

Nine banners are a salute to the race, to the athletes, and to the international spirit of sport, while the tenth banner will bless the athletes.

Weather permitting the banners will fly Thursday, April 12 through Monday, April 16.

As the first athletes turn onto Boylston Street on Monday, Old South's Great Bell will announce their approach, and ring the winners across the finish line announcing their accomplishment with proper pomp and ceremony.

On Sunday , April 15, Old South's festival worship celebration at 11 a.m. will include a "Blessing of the Athletes" … a traditional act of blessing to keep the athletes safe from harm or injury, exercise respect for each other, and find the stamina to endure the competition. All athletes are welcome to the church that is commonly referred to as "the church of the finish line" at this time of the year.

Old South Church was built between 1872 and 1875.

Source: B.A.A.

Simply Irresistible?

2007-04-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

Simply Smart Milk Products wants you! Or if you're running Boston, maybe you can pass this along to an attractive friend who wants to make a few extra $$$...

Event at John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo - Boston Marathon!!!

Looking for fit and attractive males or females to work the Simply Smart booth at the Sports and Expo Event for the Boston Marathon!

Friday April 13, Saturday April 14, and Sunday April 15.

** MUST BE AVAILABLE ALL 3 DAYS **

MUST BE 18-30 years of age and fit!

Model Requirements:
Attractive & Fit -Spokes Model Experience a Plus!!
Outgoing and Energetic -Professional & Reliable -Friendly & Approachable
Attire: TBD.
Event Times:
Friday April 13 11am-6pm
Saturday April 14 8am-6pm
Sunday April 15 8am-6pm (27 hours total)

Rate: $12.00/hr
You will be paid within 2 weeks of this promotion. Paychecks for this event are mailed out on April 27, 2006.

How to apply:
If you or someone you know meets the above requirements, please send an email with the following information to Kristina.heller@events-promotions.com :
-Full Name -Phone Number -Date of Birth -Photo Required!

For more info, call 1-888-432-2444

Boston Marathon tips

2007-04-03T18:12:00.000-07:00

If you're new to the site and looking for some tips for Boston, just look below and you'll see "Labels : Boston Marathon tips." Give a click and off you'll go to the full archive of tips from folks like Bill Rodgers, Dave McGillivray, Jeff Galloway and others. We've got less than two weeks to go before Boston 07. Be smart.

Engaged in NY, Married in Boston

2007-04-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

Who wants to run a marathon on their wedding day? For runners Pattiann McAdams and Aaron Russell of New York City, there is no better way to get married. The couple who got engaged at the finish line of the 2006 New York Marathon plans to marry on the Boston Marathon course in April.

"I can think of nothing more special than saying we got engaged at the New York City Marathon and married at Boston," said Russell who is running his 10th straight Boston Marathon. The fast-running couple is planning to marry in a civil ceremony immediately after conquering Heartbreak Hill in Newton. "It's a perfect location. The three miles in Newton are not easy, and it would be the ultimate love commitment and a nice contrast to be married after scaling Heartbreak Hill," Russell said.

Once they have finished the remaining five miles and crossed the finish line on Boylston Street, the real party will begin. The couple will have a reception afterwards at the Lenox Hotel with family and friends from New York and the New England area.

Source: B.A.A.

Kathrine Switzer's new book

2007-04-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

Kathrine Switzer's new book, MARATHON WOMAN, will be released on Boston Marathon Weekend. The release of the book coincides with the 40th anniversary of her becoming the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon.

For more on Kathrine, visit http://www.katherineswitzer.com

Japanese star to pitch at Fenway

2007-03-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

Former long-distance runner Toshihiko Seko will throw out the first pitch on Sunday, April 15 at Fenway Park.

Toshihiko Seko captured two Boston Marathon titles – 1981, 1987. He returns to Boston this year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the latter, when he pulled away from former world-record holder Steve Jones in the final miles.

Source: B.A.A.

Clowning around before the Marathon

2007-03-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

The Big Apple Circus will return to the Boston Marathon Pre-Race Dinner holding mini performances under the Big Top tent. The pasta dinner - hosted by the Boston Athletic Association and the City of Boston is free to all Boston Marathon participants. More than 10,000 runners are expected to join Mayor Tom Menino at City Hall Plaza on Sunday, April 15th from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Big Apple Circus is in town from March 31st through May 6th, performing at the City Hall Plaza. For more information, please visit www.bigapplecircus.com

Highlights from the Deena Kastor Boston Marathon teleconference

2007-03-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

John Powers (Boston Globe): Hi, Deena. I wonder if -- this is the Boston debut for you. What induced you to run the race this year and what role, if any, does the World Marathon majors play now in how you select your races?

Deena Kastor: Yes. I guess every time I have a goal of running a marathon, the goal itself seems to dictate which races I run. I, for so long, wanted to break the 2:20 barrier and other spring marathons, the London Marathon being the other World Marathon major held in the springtime seemed a better choice to be able to give myself the opportunity to break the 2:20 barrier.But Boston has always been in the heart and soul of probably every marathoner out there. It seems that it's the icon in this sport, the race that everybody strives to get qualifiers for, to be a part of. So it's always been in the back of my mind. And this year after -- after last year breaking the 2:20 barrier it seemed very easy to choose -- to choose Boston this year and in hopes of trying to win that.

Larry Eder (Running Network): A quick question for you. The downhill at Boston, did you have to add certain workouts, did Terence (Deena's coach) and you discuss certain workouts just to give you a good feel for that?

Deena Kastor: We have been training -- I mean we live in the mountains in Mammoth Lakes, California, and it's -- our whole team is able to prepare, no matter what their races are coming up, be able to prepare for specifics of uphills and downhills and getting in the pounding of a downhill when your legs are tired in the middle of a long run. So we've definitely incorporated that into our training.

Larry Eder: Okay, and can I just ask you another quick question? You were talking about kind of your basic training schedule, where you have a couple long runs each week and then is it one hill and one speed workout a week?

Deena Kastor: We incorporate hills into tempo runs -- into our tempo runs as well as our long runs, and then the rest of the week we have short interval sessions and then longer interval sessions on another day. So we get a whole buffet of workouts.

Operator: Our next question comes from Jim Gerweck from Running Times.

Jim Gerweck: Hey, Deena, just wondering how much -- this is sort of following up on Larry's question -- how much specificity of training you've done for the Boston course and how much study of the hills, the ups and downs and where they come and how that's played into your training and your strategy for the race?

Deena Kastor: Yeah. I will emphasize that we did train specifically with this course in mind and not just in hopes to run fast and persevere over this course, but to also recover well afterwards from it. We've done 21-mile runs that -- that maybe six of those miles were uphill and followed by a few miles of downhill running. We've been trying to get in downhill pavement running to pound -- pounding the legs a little bit.

So the fact that we've been doing these -- these runs, also and tempo runs, 12-mile tempo runs with two miles uphill and the last two miles downhill. So all-in-all I've recovered exceptionally well from all of these workouts and being able to come back a couple days later to be able to do another hard workout.So we have gave gotten in the hill work. I feel very confident. I've always felt confident on hills, but more so now that we've run them on pavement with this specific course in mind. Trying to put them in, put the hills in the workouts at points where I'm already feeling a bit fatigued and trying to run strong over them. So I feel good, I've definitely done some visualizing out there when we're out on our Green Church Road, doing tempo runs, but visualizing myself on the Boston course itself.

Hoyts to miss Boston Marathon

2007-03-28T18:13:00.000-07:00

One of the most familiar and beloved sights of the Boston Marathon will be missing this year.

Dick and Rick Hoyt, the father and son team, will not be making the trek from Hopkinton to Boston.

The younger Rick, who was born with cerebral palsy, was recently diagnosed with cellulitis, a skin infection that can be very dangerous if not treated promptly. He will have surgery today and because of the recovery time, he won't be ready to race on April 16.

The Hoyts have missed just one other Boston Marathon since 1981 and also compete in about 30 other races every year.

They hope to resume racing later this summer and plan to be back for next year's marathon.

Source:WBZTV.com

Bid now!

2007-03-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what Boston Marathon items are up for auction on ebay?Stop wondering, start shopping! You can own a Boston Marathon cow bell, posters, a puzzle, Marathon Monday Red Sox tix and more. Good luck!

Click here to check out auction items.

148,149,...

2007-03-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Going "cold turkey" was the only way Francisco Rodriguez could quit smoking when he abandoned his habit of two packs of cigarettes a day. Reflecting a change in lifestyle, he started running and has barely stopped since.

The 56-year-old Vice President of the Bank of New York completes 10 to 12 marathons a year and will run his 150th marathon this year at Boston. The Madrid-born Rodriguez has finished marathons in every state and is looking to enter his ninth consecutive Boston Marathon. The route from Hopkinton to Boston has always been one of his favorites, and for his big anniversary run it had to be a special marathon.

Source: B.A.A.

Outta this World

2007-03-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams will be running the Boston Marathon in space.

The Needham-native will be running the race on a treadmill on board the International Space Station (ISS) while her sister Dina Pandya runs the actual course on earth. Williams qualified for Boston at last year's Houston Marathon clocking a time of 3:29:57.

The B.A.A is sending her a bib number and runner's medal via a NASA shuttle up to the space station.

Source: B.A.A.

Attention Cape Ann residents

2007-03-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

If you're running the 111th Boston Marathon on April 16, The Gloucester Times wants to hear from you.

The Gloucester Times is looking to speak with Cape Ann residents who will compete in the race. The paper wants to hear your stories about why you're running, whether or not you have a time goal, what you're doing to prepare for the race, and how the overall experience will be for you.

Please e-mail Sports Editor Steve Maniaci at smaniaci@ecnnews.com, or staff writer Dan Guttenplan at dguttenplan@ecnnews.com with your name and contact information.

Smaht. Wicked Smaht.

2007-03-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

Harvard University professor of Anthropology Daniel E. Lieberman will hold a free lecture titled "Why Humans Run: the Biology and Evolution of Marathon Running: on April 12th at 6 p.m. at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge.

"This April, over 20,000 runners will participate in Boston Marathon, a remarkable showcase of the best endurance athletes in the world. Humans are "born to run," but why are we so unique among mammals in this ability. Lieberman explores the idea that evolution helped shape the human body, in part to perform well in long-distance running. Such athleticism may have been an integral part of early human hunting or scavenging behaviors, and although no longer necessary for our survival, still persists as a legacy of our evolutionary history," the HMNH website states.

Contact

Harvard Museum of Natural History

617-495-3045

www.hmnh.harvard.edu

Source: BAA

Grand Marshal

2007-03-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

No name is more synonymous with the Boston Marathon than Johnny Kelley. John A. Kelley, the elder, won the race in 1935 and 1945, and competed on 61 occasions. John J. Kelley (no relation), the younger, finished second five times, winning his lone Boston Marathon title 50 years ago, on April 20, 1957. The younger Kelley also linked several generations of Boston legends. After being mentored by John A. Kelley, he guided Amby Burfoot to the 1968 Boston crown; Burfoot, in turn, inspired his college roommate, Bill Rodgers, who went on to win four Boston Marathons. John J. Kelley returns this year in the role of Grand Marshal, and will ride the course in a convertible. Kelley will then run the final stretch of Boylston Street, through a ceremonial break-tape at the finish line.

Boston Marathon Banners

2007-03-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

Today Bill Rodgers, four-time winner of both the Boston and New York City Marathons, climbed aboard a cherry picker to unveil the 111th Boston Marathon banners. The event, which traditionally welcomes spring and unofficially kicks off marathon activities, took place at the Boston Marathon finish line in Copley Square.

The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the most prestigious road racing events in the world. John Hancock Financial Services is celebrating the 21st year of its sponsorship of the race, which takes place on Monday, April 16, 2007.

"It's always an honor to raise the John Hancock banners," Bill Rodgers said. "When people see the banners in March, there is a buzz that moves through the city since everyone knows the Marathon is right around the corner. I believe a lot of Bostonians and die-hard running fans are counting down the days until Marathon Monday."

John Hancock provides hundreds of banners, which will be hung throughout the city in the coming days to celebrate the race and the achievements of the athletes. The colorfully designed banners will add a welcomed sign of spring to the streets of Boston.

"This is always an exciting time of year," Guy Morse, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association, said. "The hanging of the Boston Marathon banners is a harbinger of spring as everyone's attention turns toward race day."

A Massachusetts local, Rodgers has raced competitively in the top echelon of his sport for more than a quarter century. The two American records he set at Boston in 1975 (2:09:55) and 1979 (2:09:27) remain among the fastest times ever run. In the history of the race only Rodgers and two other men, Clarence DeMar and Gerard Cote, have been crowned champion four or more times. Ranked the number one marathon runner in the world by Track & Field News three times during his career, Rodgers won Boston in 1975 and then was a three-peat winner from 1978-80.

In 1999, Runners World ranked him the number 10 world marathoner of the century, and he was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame and the National Distance Running Hall of Fame. In 1998 and 2000, USA Track and Field ranked him the number one runner in his age division (50-54). In 2001, he finished first in the 50-59 division at the B.A.A. Half Marathon. Rodgers has set 13 masters road records since he turned 40 and continues to run about 25 races a year with impressive results.

Think about Utah

2007-03-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Despite suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease, a Utah man plans to run in next month's Boston Marathon.

Bob Marshall learned last fall that the muscle spasms in his upper chest were linked to the disease known as ALS. It's a degenerative condition of the nervous system with no cure. But despite the disease, Marshall plans to be at the starting line of the 26 mile race. His wife also has her own story. So far, she's survived non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, despite being told she had hours or days to live when it was diagnosed in early 1990. She has had 64 chemotherapy treatments.The couple's 5 children good naturedly nicknamed their parents "Team Terminal."

Source: The Associated Press.

Attention all cars! Attention all cars!

2007-03-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

This just in from the Ashland Police department...

Boston Marathon
Monday, April 16

Local roads will close earlier and reopen earlier than years past:

Hopkinton 7:30am (close) - 11:30am (open)
Ashland 7:30am (close) - 1:00pm (open)
Framingham 8:45am (close) - 1:30pm (open)
Natick 8:45am (close) - 2:00pm (open)
Wellesley 8:45am (close) - 2:30pm (open)
Newton 9:00am (close) - 3:30pm (open)
Brookline 9:30am (close) - 4:30pm (open)
Boston Variable (close) - 6:00pm (open)

All road closure and reopening times are estimates. Police and Public Safety Officers will make the final determination

Source:http://www.ashlandpd.org/2007_boston_marathon.htm

Boston Marathon Quiz

2007-03-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

The first Boston Marathon started in _____________.

a) Boston
b) Ashland
c) Framingham
d) Concord

Check the comments section for answer.

Aerial Tour of the Boston Marathon

2007-03-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

http://wbztv.com/video/?id=17735@wbz.dayport.com

Welcome to the AORTA SNOB MONTH

2007-03-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

Aorta snob month? My favorite anagram of "Boston Marathon."

MA NOON TROT BASH is truly the best one and it worked for a good hundred years 'til the BAA had to go and change the start time from noon to ten. honestly, thank you baa.

Try the anagram generator:
http://www.mbhs.edu/~bconnell/cgi-bin/anagram.cgi

Quote of the day

2007-03-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

“Get going. Get up and walk if you have to, but finish the damned race.”
- Ron Hill to Jerome Drayton during the 1970 Boston Marathon

Elite Field Announced for Boston Marathon

2007-03-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

In its 22nd year as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock announced its elite team of 25 marathon runners from eight countries today, including American Olympic bronze medalist Deena Kastor, defending champions Rita Jeptoo and Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot of Kenya and past champion Hailu Negussie of Ethiopia.

Defending champion Cheruiyot broke the course record last year and is ready for a rematch with 2006 runner-up Benjamin Maiyo and 2005 champion Negussie. Cheruiyot is also the points leader in the World Marathon Majors Series and won the Chicago Marathon this past fall, earning the distinction as the only man to have ever won both marathons in the same year. Negussie returns as only the second Ethiopian man to win in Boston, and he is highly motivated to gain back the title.

Maiyo has finished runner-up in three big races: Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles, and is ready to stand atop the podium.Chasing the trio is a talented pack led by 2:06 marathoner Robert Cheboror, the 2004 Boston runner-up; Philip Manyim, the 2005 Berlin Marathon champion and Stephen Kiogora, the 2006 New York City runner-up.

Also challenging for the title are four men with key marathon wins in 2006: James Kwambai, the Beijing and Brescia champion; Ruggero Pertile, the Padova winner; Teferi Wodajo, the Cologne champion and Hosea Rotich, the Nairobi winner and course record holder. Added to the mix are 2005 Zurich winner Stanley Leleito, the 2005 Marathon of Italy champion Stephen Biwott, Moroccan stand-out Mohammed El Hattab, and rising talent Tekeste Kebede of Ethiopia. Making his debut is Samuel Ndereba, the 2006 BAA Boston Half Marathon champion and brother of four-time women’s winner Catherine Ndereba.

On the women’s side, the top three ranked women in the world are part of the John Hancock Elite Team and will compete for the win. Olympian and American Record Holder Deena Kastor will face defending champion Rita Jeptoo and last year’s runner-up Jelena Prokopcuka. The talent of the women’s field is undisputed as seven of the top ten women set their personal best times in 2006 and are in peak form.

Kastor leads the charge and comes into the race having run the fastest marathon in the world last year. She earned the #1 ranking by Track & Field News for her unstoppable 2:19:36 win in London, where she also improved her existing American record. Best known for her inspirational bronze medal performance in the 2004 Athens Olympic Marathon, Kastor is also a multiple American record holder on the roads and track. With roots in the Boston area, Kastor should prove to be a crowd favorite.

The #2 ranked woman in the world, Olympian Jelena Prokopcuka of Latvia, brings strong credentials as the points leader in the World Marathon Majors Series and as the winner of the New York City Marathon the past two years.

Rita Jeptoo, ranked #3, is the defending Boston Marathon champion and will not give up her title easily. After her win last year, Jeptoo ran the fourth fastest 20K of all time and then went on to finish a strong fourth in New York City.

Source: baa.org

iMarathon

2007-03-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hope you enjoy the following Boston Marathon podcasts compliments of our friends at Runner's World. You'll find tips, stories and more from Amby Burfoot, Boston winner in 1968, Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray, and Jack Fultz, winner of the 1976 Boston Marathon.

http://www.runnersworld.com/events/boston06/morepodcasts.html

Boston Marathon Forecast - Believe It or Not!

2007-03-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

It's time for The Old Farmer's Almanac weather forecast!

Based in Dublin, New Hampshire, "The Old Farmer's Almanac has published useful information for people in all walks of life: tide tables for those who live near the ocean; sunrise tables and planting charts for those who live on the farm; recipes for those who live in the kitchen; and forecasts for those who don't like the question of weather left up in the air."

So here's the super-extended forecast for the third week in April.
The Boston Marathon is Monday, April 16.

April 2007

Avg. Temperature: 53° (1° above avg.)
Precipitation: 3" (0.5" below avg.)

Apr. 1-7: T-storms; warm, then cool
Apr. 8-14: Cool, showers
Apr. 15-22: Sunny, very warm
Apr. 23-25: T-storms; cool north, warm south
Apr. 26-30: Sunny, warm

The Final Word on Bandits

2007-03-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

Boston is different. The bandit is a special part of Boston Marathon history. Roberta Gibb, the first woman to run Boston, was a bandit. I believe current race director Dave McGillivray ran as a bandit when he was about 16. There’s a history of thousands who ran the course when it was a tiny little race, before it became THE BOSTON MARATHON. When the marathon was on life support and not too many people cared about it, the bandits were there. And yeah, they helped it become THE BOSTON MARATHON.

Bandits in Boston are OK with me. Come one, come all and experience the best marathon in the world.

Hal Higdon writes in Boston: A Century of Running: “Furthest back are the “bandits,” the unnumbered runners who lack official qualifying status. This lumpenproleteriat is tolerated by the BAA even though they have not contributed an entry fee. The lot of the bandits is not easy, since they will have been granted neither transportation nor access to the gym. Bandits rarely existed back in the 1960s when anyone could enter for a $1 fee, raised only reluctantly at the end of the decade to $2. Nevertheless, bandits have become an integral part of what makes the BAA Marathon a great race. “ Spectators lining the course do not discriminate between numbered and unnumbered runners in offering their applause,” concedes race director Guy Morse (Morse is now the executive director of the Boston Marathon.)

COMING TOMORROW: YOUR BOSTON MARATHON FORECAST

El bandito, Part 2

2007-03-10T15:25:00.000-08:00

There are two sides ( maybe more) to every story. Here's a letter AGAINST bandits. What do you think? I'll chime in tomorrow.

Have a great long run tomorrow. Only a few more weeks before Marathon Monday.

Barry Klein's letter ("Bandits good for Marathon," April 24, pg. 6) justifies the intrusion of illegal, non-fee-paying runners in the Boston Marathon (hence the term, "bandit") by pointing out that while volunteering is great, there is no better feeling than when you cross the marathon finish line. I agree that this must be a great feeling, but I have to object to the disrespectful manner in which Klein challenges an earlier letter by Kate Ramey ("Bandits bad for marathon," April 22, pg. 16), who correctly points out the harm that bandits cause to qualified runners in the marathon.

Klein essentially ignores the entire point of Ramey's letter by assuming without justification that the Boston Marathon officially allows bandits to run. If Klein had checked the Boston Athletic Association's Frequently Asked Questions website before writing his letter, he would have realized that bandits are in fact prohibited from running. The site reads, "I will never be able to qualify. Can I run the race as an unofficial or 'bandit' runner, or is there any other way I could officially enter?" The answer? "No, please do not run if you have not officially entered in the race.

Race amenities along the course and at the finish, such as fluids, medical care and traffic safety, are provided based on the number of official entrants. Any addition to this by way of unofficial participants adversely affects the ability to ensure a safe race for everyone. The BAA makes a limited number of non-qualified entries available to local charities for fundraising purposes. If you have not qualified and want to participate, this may be an option for you. See our list of official 2004 Boston Marathon charities." This is exactly the assertion that Ramey makes in her letter, and Klein should have done his homework before contradicting her on such a basic point.

As far as Klein's "advertising" theory goes, race resources are finite and the more bandits who take Gatorade, Powerbars and space blankets, the fewer resources are available for the qualified runners who paid for those resources. When my friend ran the Boston Half-Marathon, by the time she reached the Franklin Park Zoo, there was no Gatorade left, whether or not Gatorade wanted more "advertising" for the runners. While this was probably a mistake on the BAA's part, not the fault of bandits, the fact remains that when Gatorade runs out, there is none left for legitimate race participants. Qualified runners paid for these resources through their race fees, and it is wrong for bandits to take their resources without paying for them.

Klein concludes by asking what is holding Ramey back from running as a bandit in the Boston Marathon. Clearly it is the fact that she is a person of good conscience who has respect for the runners that qualify for and pay to participate in the Boston Marathon.

Timothy J. Manion

El bandito, Part 1

2007-03-09T19:03:00.000-08:00

Here are two letters I found online in response to a piece written about Boston Marathon bandits. The original article ("Bandits bad for marathon") appeared in The Daily Free Press, The Independent Newspaper at Boston University.

I'll post the letter FOR bandits today and AGAINST bandits tomorrow. Love to hear your thoughts--leave a message in the comments section below.

After reading the letter "Bandits bad for marathon," (April 22, pg. 16) I have to disagree. I've run two New York City marathons and the experience has been great. The New York Marathon does not allow bandits.

The only way for non-competitive runners to compete is through a lottery. Volunteering is great, but it doesn't compare to the feeling of personal satisfaction you gain when you step across the finish line. There's nothing like the feeling of knowing that you ran more on marathon day than most people drove.

The author of "Bandits bad for marathon," Kate Ramey, mentions that she has been a longtime runner and has dreamed about running the Boston Marathon. I say go for it! What's holding you back? I think it's great that Boston allows bandits to join in the fun of running a marathon. It allows recreational runners (like the author) who have long dreamed of running a big city marathon to do so without having to worry about qualifying or winning a lottery.

As for your argument that bandits take resources away from other runners, it just doesn't make sense. Gatorade, PowerBar and other sponsors are there to raise awareness and promote their products. Many of their customers are recreational runners. Therefore, the more runners, the more advertising.

In addition, bandits don't affect the qualified entrants. Start areas are designed to separate the competitive runners from the rest of the field. In your conclusion, you mention, "I just wanted to let students know that there are at least a few reasons to cheer participants from the course sidelines rather than actually run the marathon."

There are reasons to cheer from the sidelines (inadequate training, fear of injury, desire to energize struggling runners, etc.), but they have nothing to do with shortages of Gatorade or space blankets. I suggest the author of this letter spend less time harping on the downsides of bandit running and join in the fun.

Barry Klein

A few laughs from the 2006 Boston Marathon

2007-03-08T17:32:00.000-08:00

Comedian Niecy Nash gives encouraging words -- and some champagne -- to Boston Marathon Runners.

P.S. - Be patient. Could take a long time to load. It's video from The Tonight Show.

http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=1d5178ff-3b52-49e8-ad28-23013ba09e93&f=rss05

Quote of the Day

2007-03-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

To the spectators, it's a freak show with legs; to the legitimate runners, it's a test of speed and endurance; and to the exhibitionists, it's a chance to be a screwball before a ready-made gallery.
-- Will Cloney

Find your pace for the Boston Marathon

2007-03-06T19:56:00.000-08:00

A posting from the Runner's World Forum:

Boston Marathon pacing spreadsheet

http://www.box.net/public/75o3rqgty9

Note: may take some time to load

The elevation profile page includes all the pacing information for every mile on the elevation chart (pace, total elapsed time, time of day), plus it shows your 5K and half marathon splits. If needed, this page can now be used as a spectator guide. Be sure to fully expand the page when you open it in order to see the required tabs at the bottom of the page.

Shop Til You Drop

2007-03-05T18:01:00.000-08:00

NEW Boston Marathon merchandise from Adidas. Click here

Who is Henry Wilson?

2007-03-04T17:25:00.000-08:00

Today I ran the marathon course from Hopkinton to Boston College (mile 22). On the side of the course in Natick, a small wooden structure about the size of a shed, caught my eye. It was on the left hand side of the road and I could only make out a few words on the front of the cottage – Henry Wilson and Vice President. I had to know more…

Henry Wilson (February 16, 1812–November 22, 1875) was a Senator from Massachusetts and the eighteenth Vice President of the United States under Ulysses S. Grant. Wilson was born Jeremiah Jones Colbath in Farmington, New Hampshire.

In 1833 he had his name legally changed by the legislature to Henry Wilson. He was adopted by a man with the last name Wilson when the Colbath family of twelve could not support itself. Henry Wilson moved to Natick, Massachusetts in 1833 and became a shoemaker.

And what about the shed? It was The Henry Wilson Shoe Shop, located on the corner of West Central and Mill Streets.

The structure is an example of what is called a “ten-footer.” Many homes had these small shops or ells where piecework on shoes was done.

Boston Marthon Training Video

2007-03-03T10:59:00.000-08:00

He's going the distance, he's going for speed...

http://www.addictingclips.com/Clip.aspx?key=1A823328E6B2E037

Did you know...

2007-03-02T05:54:00.001-08:00

Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray created the Walpole State Prison Yard Runners Club, the first USA Track & Field sanctioned running club inside a maximum security institution.

Boston Marathon Tips from Motor City

2007-03-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

Today I'll let one of the pros show you how to get from Hopkinton to Boston.
Doug Kurtis won the Master's Division in '94 so read on...

A survivor's guide for the Boston marathon
February 28, 2007
BY DOUG KURTIS
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST

Once a month, Windsor's Running Factory has a social run. It's an opportunity to run as a group and drink a few Canadian beers afterward. On last week's run, a number of runners who were preparing for the Boston Marathon asked for advice on how to prepare for the oldest marathon in the world.

With just seven weeks before Patriot's Day, let me offer a few suggestions to improve your race for Boston or other hilly marathons.

• Find some hills and run what I call stepladders. Run a quarter of the way up and down, then halfway up and down and so on. Treat it the same as doing a speed workout. Three or four sets should work depending on the size of the hill.

• Mark Bauman, who owns a running store in Flint, has run Boston 37 times. He suggests bringing plenty of Bodyglide and sunscreen to the start. "When the race started at noon, sunburn was likely on just the right shoulder, as the course runs east most of the way. With this year's earlier start time, runners should be prepared for a more overall tan."

• Bring a wide-mouth Gatorade container into the start corrals for those who can't get to a portable toilet.

• Run a smart race by using your head, not your emotions. The runners and the crowds get your adrenaline going, but they can push you to run too fast. Ask yourself at each mile mark: Am I running relaxed?

• Often the elite athletes run their best times by running faster over the second half of the course -- what we call a negative split. The second half is the toughest part of the course, but by taking it easy in the first half, runners find they can better handle the Newton and Heartbreak hills. Running easier over the fastest part of the course will also reduce the burning sensation in your quadriceps as you run downhill over the last several miles.

• Three buses will carry runners to the start from downtown Boston. They have bathrooms on board and will stay near the starting area until you are ready to depart. To hook up with them, call Bauman's Running and Walking Shop Center: 810-238-5981.

Because of the way the course is laid out, no other marathon beat me up physically as much as Boston. But it's a fast course if you run it properly. I won the master's division in 1994, at age 42, with my best time in 11 tries -- 2:15:47.

Contact DOUG KURTIS at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St., Detroit 48226 or dkurtis@earthlink.com

Meat me at Morton's

2007-02-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

Party on Wayne, Party on Garth.

Party at Morton's in Boston on Friday, March 30 from 6 -9pm. There will be hor d'oeuvres, cocktails and a raffle. Proceeds from the event benefit ReadBoston. For more info, contact Dina Trueheart at 617.266.5108.

For those out-of-towners who haven't been to Morton's Boston, but will be around Marathon weekend, I highly recommend visiting for a steak, your favorite cocktail, and save room for the Godiva Chocolate cake. Make a reservation now--I'm sure they're packed on Marathon Weekend--especially post-Marathon! Oh, you need directions? You'll pass the restaurant just before crossing the finish line on Boylston St., right across from the library!

Alan Culpepper talks about the 2006 Boston Marathon

2007-02-27T19:02:00.000-08:00

Hear what US marathoner Alan Culpepper had to say after last year's Boston Marathon.

Culpepper came in 5th (2:11:02).

http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=16074@kcnc.dayport.com

I can't live without my radio

2007-02-26T18:45:00.000-08:00

The Marathon Amateur Radio Consortium is now accepting sign-ups for the 2007 Boston Marathon Amateur Radio Team. Radio operators are needed to support safety and security operations at the Start, Finish, and along the route.

If you are interested in helping out, please visit their website at http://marc.amateur-radio.net/and complete the simple 2-step sign-up process.

A different kind of Boston Marathon

2007-02-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

Any theater buffs out there? If so, here's something you might want to put on your calendar for after the Boston Marathon, and you have a little extra time on your Sundays (no long runs for a while, right?)

Check out The Boston Theater Marathon. It's a "ten-hour marathon of 50 new ten-minute plays by local authors, each one produced by a different New England professional theatre company, all performed in one place in one amazing day."

The 9th Annual Boston Theater Marathon will be held May 20, 2007 in the Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts at 527 Tremont St. First play starts at noon.

Click here for more info.

Quote of the day

2007-02-24T10:47:00.000-08:00

'Dad, when I run it feels like my disability disappears.'

-Rick Hoyt, the message he typed on his computer after his first race in a wheelchair
pushed by his father, Dick.

Last year, the Hoyts completed their 25th Boston Marathon.

For more on the Hoyts visit http://www.teamhoyt.com/

The Shortest Distance Between Two Points

2007-02-23T06:37:00.000-08:00

How far will you run at the Boston Marathon?
The distance could be more than you think.

This piece is from a 1997 article by UltraRUNNING Magazine publisher and editor Don Allison. For the complete article, click here.

-----

Although the marathon distance is only 26 miles and 385 yards, most people run a longer distance than this on race day.

These folks are not looking for extra credit, rather they are following a more circuitous route than race officials have determined to be the actual distance. Course measures assume a runner will run the shortest possible distance between two points, in this case being the Hopkinton town green and the Boston Public Library. To run the shortest route, one would have to "cut the tangents," basic geometry that results in running directly across the street where the road curves. Needless to say, most runners in the pack are simply concerned with moving forward, paying little attention to the tangents. Running the short route necessitates paying attention to the road ahead and having enough available space to move across the road unimpeded. Route 135 through Ashland, Framingham, and Natick curves considerably, allowing an alert marathoner to save precious distance.

Defending Champs to run Boston

2007-02-22T18:21:00.000-08:00

2006 Boston Marathon champions Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot and Rita Jeptoo have announced they will defend their titles at the 111th running of the race on April 16,2007.

The top contenders in the men's group include Hailu Negussie of Ethiopia, the men's 2005 champion. Negussie will lead the charge having won the race in 2005, when he brought the title back to Ethiopia after a 16-year hiatus dominated by Kenyan wins. Accepting the opportunity to challenge Cheruiyot's course record of 2:07:14, Negussie said, "Once again I am eager and happy to run in the Boston Marathon, among the greatest marathons in the world and my favorite place." One of his country's most promising marathoners, Negussie has also won the Hofu Marathon in Japan twice and the Xiamen International Marathon in China.

Joining Negussie are 2006 runner-up Benjamin Maiyo and 2004 runner-up Robert Cheboror, both of Kenya. Maiyo is highly motivated to notch his first career win at Boston this year having also finished second at the Chicago Marathon and second in Los Angeles in 2005. Cheboror will pose a threat returning to the race as one of the fastest marathoners of all time with a 2:06:23 win in Amsterdam in 2004. Last year he finished second in Hamburg and fifth in Chicago.

Another top contender with Boston experience is Stephen Kiogora who will challenge the runners-up as will 2005 Berlin Marathon Champion Philip Manyim. Kiogora recently finished second at the 2006 New York City Marathon and Manyim brings 2:07 speed to the line.

In the women's race, defending champion Rita Jeptoo of Kenya will face 2006 Boston runner-up Jelena Prokopcuka of Latvia who already announced her commitment to run and 2003 runner-up Lyubov Denisova of Russia.

Last year Prokopcuka missed the top spot by 10 seconds, the narrowest margin in race history. She has won the New York City Marathon the past two years and is the current leader of the World Marathon Majors Series. Denisova comes into the race fresh from a course record win at the difficult Honolulu Marathon this past December. She is also a two-time champion of the Los Angeles Marathon.

Top contenders expected to challenge these women are American record holder Deena Kastor who was announced earlier, and Madai Perez of Mexico. Kastor ran the fastest time in the world last year with her 2:19:36 London Marathon win, and Perez established her country's mark of 2:22:59 at the 2006 Chicago Marathon.

Source: John Hancock Financial Services

Ladies & Gentlemen, Bill Rodgers

2007-02-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

A key tip on running Boston is to prepare by doing lots of downhill running. Another is to race cautiously in the 1st 15 miles and save your strength for the Boston hills (and their wonderful downhills!); conserve energy to be conscious of the world's greatest Marathon fans and their applause!

My favorite memory of Boston is winning in '75 in the fastest time in the world that year, the 4th fastest run to that point, and also a new American record; it was an honor. What meant a lot was that my brother Charlie, who I started running with, my coach Billy Squires, and my mentor at Wesleyan University who taught me about the marathon, Amby Burfoot--who took Boston in '68--were with me to celebrate. Victory is sweet.

Bill

Thanks Bill. If you're interested in a copy of the print above by artist Andrew Yelenak click here

Happy Days

2007-02-20T18:08:00.001-08:00

Sunday, Monday, Happy Days

Tuesday, Wednesday, Happy Days

Thursday, Friday, Happy Days

The weekend comes

My cycle hums

Ready to race to you
These days are ours

Happy and free (Oh, Happy Days)

These days are ours

Share them with me (Oh, baby)

Goodbye grey sky, hello blue

There's nothing can hold me when I hold you

Feels so right, it can't be wrong

Rockin' and rollin' all week long

Ok, enough of that. Here's a highlight video of the 1959 Boston Marathon.
Be patient - it may take a little while for the video to load. Sit on it Postsie!

Enjoy. Click here

Coming tomorrow: 4-time Boston Marathon Champion Bill Rodgers provides a few tips on running Boston as well as his favorite Marathon memory. Don't miss it!

Did you say Boston or Austin Scream Tunnel?

2007-02-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the famous Wellesley "Scream Tunnel" of the Boston Marathon made an appearance at the Austin Marathon.

As you may know, Wellesley College is located at mile 13 of the Boston Marathon. Many stories have been written about the Wellesley women who create a "Scream Tunnel" every year that lifts runners spirits through the halfway point of the marathon.

For the Austin Marathon, the Austin Wellesley Club was granted a water stop at North Loop and McCandless to cheer on the runners. I can't imagine it being louder than the real Scream Tunnel in Wellesley--one of the most greatest experiences in running--but nice job Wellesley alumni--way to bring a little taste of Boston to Austin.

To learn more about the Austin Marthon, click here.
To read more about the real Boston Marathon Wellesley Scream Tunnel, click here.

Boston Marathon Quiz

2007-02-18T16:02:00.000-08:00

Which country had the most finishers in the 2006 Boston Marathon?

a) Korea
b) Germany
c) United Kingdom

Check the comments section for answer.

Hansons-Brooks Distance Project to Return to Boston Marathon

2007-02-17T06:33:00.000-08:00

Over the past seven years, the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project of Rochester, Mich., has emerged as the preeminent marathon training group in the nation.

Nowhere was this status more obvious than at the 2006 Boston Marathon, when men from the Hansons program took the city by storm, placing fourth, 10th, 11th, 15th, 18th, 19th and 22nd.

All five Hansons-Brooks women will return in two months to compete in the 2007 Boston Marathon. Melissa White (2:39:21 PR), Dot McMahan (2:43:27 PR) and Yolanda Flamino (2:45:19 PR) have already run U.S. Olympic Team Trials qualifying standards, while Desiree Davila (debut) and Kelly Stewart (2:58:21 PR) will be attempting to qualify for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Boston. The women will be competing for overall Boston Marathon prize money and a separate prize money purse for U.S. women.

Accompanying the team to Boston this week will be Hansons-Brooks co-founders Keith and Kevin Hanson. The brothers, who own a chain of running shoe stores in Michigan, founded the Distance Project in 2000 with the goal of giving something back to the sport. They now own several houses for the team, and provide travel, coaching and part-time jobs for 22 athletes.

Source: B.A.A.

438 Pound Man to Run Boston Marathon

2007-02-16T19:21:00.000-08:00

Jacob Seilheimer, a 438 lb. beekeeper from Wisconsin, aims to tackle the world's most grueling marathon.

Jacob Seilheimer, a Wisconsin-bred beekeeper, is doing what others claim is impossible. At a jaw-dropping 438 lbs, he has vowed to lose 100 pounds and run the Boston Marathon -- with only 3 months of training.

Equipped with his trusty sidekick, an exercise bike named "Savage Henry", Jacob has committed himself to a strict regimen of diet and exercise. He is inviting the outside world to view his journey at his refreshingly honest website, www.whatwouldjacobdo.com.

“I'd like to take people inside the life of a morbidly obese person,” says Jacob Seilheimer. “Just for a moment, imagine what it's like go to a restaurant and worry if the chair you're about to sit in is going to collapse or in order to weigh yourself, you have to go to a meat-packing plant and use a commercial-grade scale or even just walking out your front door, little kids across the street point at you and laugh. Welcome to my life.”

Trapped in a downward spiral of depression, the gentle giant, affectionately known as "The Bear," knew that serious illness or an early death would soon coming knocking at his door if he continued down this path. Fed up with the endless barrage of insults and looks of disgust, he is taking a stand, and so far has lost 40 pounds on his way to running the Boston Marathon.

Many have shown their support for Jacob's efforts on his website, while others aren't so kind. Jacob publishes comments from both sides, along with weekly videos of his training regimen, a blog of little victories along the way, as well as the pain of many setbacks.

Jacob is also chronicling his journey for four different charities: Make a Wish Foundation, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the American Cancer Society and Special Olympics.

While the jury is still out on his ability to finish the race, one thing is for sure. The sheer girth of this man is only matched by the size of his heart.

Most Influential People & Events - #7 of 7

2007-02-15T10:07:00.000-08:00

1972

First Boston Marathon to Welcome Women

Women ran Boston before - Switizer, Gibb - but in 1972 Boston finally bowed to aggressive lobbying and allowed women to officially enter the race. Nina Kuscsik was the first official champ (3:10:26).

Most Influential People & Events - #6 of 7

2007-02-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

Back In November '06, Runner's World had an article on the forty most influential people and moments in running over the past forty years.

Over the next few posts you'll learn which seven people/moments that made the list are directly connected to the Boston Marathon. Only one more after today...

1970
First Boston Marathon with a Qualifying Time

Hoping to narrow the field, Boston Marathon organizers required all runners to have run a sub- four-hour marathon. It did nothing to diminish the numbers so the bar was raised to 3:30 and then adjusted again to reflect age and gender. To this day, Boston is the gold standard in marathons because of qualifying times. "Before qualifying times, there was nothing definitive to shoot for," says Dave McGillivray, Boston's race director.

Source: Runner World Nov 06

Most Influential People & Events - #5 of 7

2007-02-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

Johnny A. Kelley

Nobody embodied the phrase "young at heart" better than Johnny Kelley. Runner's World put him on the list because Johnny refused to let age slow him down. The man, the legend ran Boston 61 times--- and finished 58 of them! He won Boston twice and finished in the top 5 fifteen times.

"These days, half the field is over 40," says Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray." Johnny proved that it could be done."

Johnny died in 2004 at the age of 97.

Most Influential People & Events - #4 of 7

2007-02-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

Back In November '06, Runner's World had an article on the forty most influential people and moments in running over the past forty years. Over the next few posts you'll learn which seven people/moments that made the list are directly connected to the Boston Marathon. Here's #4...

Alberto Salazar

Now I know many of you would say Alberto is Mr. NYC Marathon. And he is. And that's one of the many reasons why Runner's World put him on their list. But I'm including him here for being part of the famous "Duel in the Sun" Boston Marathon in April 1982 when he and Dick Beardsley ran neck and neck for 26 miles before Alberto pulled ahead at the finish to win by a mere two seconds. And one more thing: he grew up in Wayland, MA!

Most Influential People & Events - #3 of 7

2007-02-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

Rosie Ruiz "Wins" the Boston Marathon

Things that make you go hmmm: Without Rosie, would we have the ChampionChip, a computerized tracking system introduced in 1996?

Back in 1980, it took one whole week before organizers realized that Rosie jumped in the race at the final half mile. After the Rosie incident, race organizers set up video cameras and checkpoints along the course to make sure something like that would never happen again. Cheaters never win. And winners never cheat.

Most Influential People & Events - #2 of 7

2007-02-10T10:13:00.001-08:00

Bill Rodgers

Bill Rodgers. The name is synonymous with the Boston Marathon. When the running boom hit in the 1970s, "Boston Billy" was like a rock star to those who got caught up in the sport. "It's hard for everyone, the way I look at it," Rodgers said. "Everybody pays the price and feels the fatigue. I understand the feeling runners have when they're struggling."

Most Influential People & Events - #1 of 7

2007-02-09T06:22:00.000-08:00

#1 of 7

Kathrine Switzer

"I knew that women were capable of running marathons if they were only given the opportunity," Switzer says. Switzer, who officially--if illegally-- finished the 1967 Boston Marathon after dodging Jock Semple's attempts to rip off her bib number, changed everything. Her finish in Boston was just the beginning for women's marathoning.

Boston Marathon Quiz

2007-02-08T09:20:00.000-08:00

Who has the most Boston Marathon victories?

a) Cosmos Ndeti
b) Bill Rodgers
c) John A. Kelly
d) Clarence DeMar
e) Eino Oksanen

Check the comments section for answer.

Fact or Fiction?

2007-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

The Happy Swallow is a bar in Framingham along the Boston Marathon course.

Owner Pete Phylis said one time a marathoner stopped in for a quick drink, ran out the door, ran another block or so, turned around and went back to the bar and ordered something with a little more kick. The runner didn't leave the bar until closing.

Heartbreak Hill

2007-02-05T20:34:00.000-08:00

lyrics by emmylou harris/paul kennerley

Now I know, that you know, she's not singing about that little incline in Newton. But hey, I'm always on the lookout for something a little different that ties in somehow with the world's greatest marathon. And maybe, just maybe this song can help you soar over that big bad hill on April 16. Listen to it on amazon (disc 2, track 19) or search itunes.

Long, long time ago
When we were young
You swore to me
I'll be the one.

I'll be the one you love
But we had to part
You asked me to wait for you
And keep you in my heart.
Keep you in my heart.

Night after lonely night
I'm waitin' for you still
High above the lights of town
Here on Heartbreak Hill.

Now maybe I'm the foolish kind
To hold you so long
Have you found another love
Am I still the one?

Am I still the one for you
But you're far away
Do you ever dream
Of comin' back to me someday?
Back to me someday.

Night after lonely night
I'm waitin' for you still
High above the lights of town
Here on Heartbreak Hill.

Heartbreak Hill alone at night
I'm thinkin' how you held me tight
And one day if I ever will
See you again on Heartbreak Hill.

--- Instrumental ---

Oh Lord, if I only could go
Back in time I know
I'd hold you in my arms again
And never let you go.

Never let you go my love
Or leave you far behind
High upon this lonely hill
Where you swore to be mine
You swore to be mine.

Night after lonely night
I'm waitin' for you still
High above the lights of town
Here on Heartbreak Hill.

Here on Heartbreak Hill.
Here on Heartbreak Hill...

Super Bowl leftovers

2007-02-05T07:03:00.000-08:00

Did you know...
In terms of on-site media coverage, the Boston Marathon ranks behind only the Super Bowl as the largest single day sporting event in the world. More than 1,100 media members receive credentials annually.

Boston Marathon Trophy

2007-02-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

In December 1999, the B.A.A. and marathon sponsor Long’s Jewelers commissioned Reed & Barton Silversmiths to create the first permanent, Boston Marathon Champions’ Trophy for the B.A.A.

The trophy is a 40 1/2 inch sterling silver loving cup, secured to a two-tier mahogany base. The base is adorned with 100 sterling silver plaques, which will showcase the next 100 years of marathon champions in the male and female open, wheelchair and masters divisions. The trophy was unveiled at an official ceremony at Boston's John Hancock Observatory prior to Boston Marathon 2000.

In 2001, Reed and Barton Silversmiths created an additional base to the existing trophy for the names of the previous 104 years’ champions, bringing the total height to 47 1/2 inches on a base 32 inches square. In addition, they provide six replica trophies annually for the divisional winners of the Marathon.

Founded in Taunton, Massachusetts in 1824, Reed and Barton Silversmiths has a longstanding history of creating trophies and medals for national and international sporting events.

Quote of the day

2007-02-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

"I know I've never been so beaten up after a marathon as I was after Boston in 1982. I don't think it was because it was the fastest 2:08:54 marathon I've ever run. I think the course just... took a lot out of me."

-Dick Beardsley, who finished second to Alberto Salazar in what many believe was the best-ever Boston Marathon

B.A.A. to Send Top U.S. Marathoners to Japan

2007-02-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

For 32 years, the Boston Marathon and the Ohme-Hochi 30K in Japan have enjoyed a close relationship. Each year, top Americans from Boston travel to Japan to compete while top Japanese finishers from Ohme run the Boston Marathon.

This year, the B.A.A. will be sending six of last year's top finishers in the Boston Marathon to compete in Ohme on February 4. Peter Gilmore will be running the 30-kilometer race for the second time where he will be joined by five members of the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project: Luke Humphrey, Chad Johnson, Kyle O'Brien, Brian Sell and Clint Verran.

The B.A.A. – Ohme exchange program dates back to 1976, when Bill Rodgers won Ohme, and Tom Fleming placed second. Among the many top Boston Marathon finishers to compete in Ohme are Miki Gorman (1974 and 1977 Boston champion) and Greg Meyer (1983 Boston and Ohme champion). Gilmore was the B.A.A.'s 2006 representative in Ohme, following his 10th-place finish in the 2005 Boston Marathon. After placing fourth in the Japanese race with a time of 1:32:56, Gilmore returned to Boston where he moved up to seventh, with a personal best time of 2:12:45.

The Hansons-Brooks Distance Project, a Michigan-based team founded and coached by brothers Keith and Kevin Hanson, brought eight athletes to the 2006 Boston Marathon, and six finished in the top 20 places. Brian Sell led the way with a stellar fourth-place finish (2:10:55). He was followed by Verran (10th, 2:14:12), Humphrey (11th, 2:15:23), Johnson (15th, 2:19:29), and O'Brien (18th, 2:19:57).

Sending the group to Japan is part of the B.A.A.'s ongoing American Development Program, which will culminate with the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Women's Marathon, to be held in Boston on April 20, 2008.

Source: B.A.A.

Mmmmm...beef

2007-02-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

An olive wreath, a load of cash and a bowl of beef stew go to the winner of the Boston Marathon.

Here's the Boston recipe dating from 1970 when this stew was served to all finishers (courtesy of Hugh Kinland of Stouffer's). Now only the winner gets a bowl.

TO FEED 2,000 RUNNERS A SERVING OF BEEF STEW:
245 POUNDS OF POTATOES
122 POUNDS ONIONS
190 POUNDS OF CARROTS
55 POUNDS OF PEAS
750 POUNDS OF BEEK CHUCK CUBES
108 POUNDS BEEF GRAVY

Place in a LARGE pot and cook for a long time!

Ok, so stew is not your thing. How about chili?
You won't find chili on my table the night before the Boston Marathon. However, this recipe sounds like it could be a hearty meal after finishing on Boylston Street. Enjoy.

BOSTON MARATHON CHILI

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large onions, chopped
2 green bell peppers, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 pounds boneless pork butt or boneless country-style spareribs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, chopped, liquid reserved
1/3 cup chili powder
1 to 2 large jalapeño chilies, chopped
2 tablespoons ground cumin

1 16-ounce can black beans, drained
1/2 cup dry red wine
Grated cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh cilantro
Chopped red onions
Sour cream

Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 onions, bell peppers and garlic and sauté until tender, about 14 minutes.

Transfer mixture to plate, using slotted spoon. Add beef and pork to Dutch oven and cook over medium-high heat until no longer pink, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Return onion mixture to Dutch oven. Add tomatoes with liquid, chili powder, jalapeños and cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Cover Dutch oven and simmer until beef and pork are almost tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour.

Add black beans and red wine to chili. Simmer uncovered until beef and pork are tender and chili thickens, about 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls. Serve, passing cheese, cilantro, red onions and sour cream separately.

Serves 10.
Bon Appétit
April 1992
Ellen P Slaby: Brookline, Massachusetts

Jeff Larson's Marathon Training Blog

2007-01-31T08:02:00.000-08:00

Today I'd like to send out props to L. Street Running Club member and SmartRoutes reporter Jeff Larson and his blog. When Jeff isn't running the streets of Boston, he's telling us which streets to avoid on the way to and from work. And he's blogging too. Check out Jeff's blog.

1930 Boston Marathon

2007-01-30T08:56:00.000-08:00

No GU. No Coolmax. No Ipods. No Gatorade.

Let's turn back the clock to 1930. The Hostess Twinkie is invented. Herbert Hoover is President. And FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) stages the first World Cup tournament.

Here's what was shakin' in Boston. Check it out...
http://runningpast.com/media/baa_1930med.wmv

Boston Marathon runners meet their match

2007-01-29T08:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a nice article from Saturday's Boston Herald. It's all the inspiration you'll need to lace up your running shoes and go for a run.

More than 30 runners participating in the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge met up with young, cancer-stricken buddies, who are slated to cheer on the athletes during the race. The occasion was the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s “Meet Your Match” party.

“He reminds me a lot of me when I was kid,” Tyler Hart said of his partner, 7-year-old Ben Raybuck. “He’s very energetic and inquisitive and personable.”

The “patient partners,” all current or former patients of the Jimmy Fund Clinic, met the runners they have been teamed up with at the fete yesterday afternoon. The party was an introduction for new duos, while previous pairings had the chance to rekindle friendships.

The partners will meet at the 25-mile marker to congratulate and motivate the marathon marchers during the 111th Boston Marathon on April 16.

“It makes these long, cold runs much easier,” Hart said. “When I think about not wanting to go out running, I think about Ben having to go for chemo. He really has been an inspiration.”

The Patient Partner Program has been pairing Jimmy Fund kids with athletes since 1992.

Source: Boston Herald 1/27/07

Quote of the Day

2007-01-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

"It's a cool course. It's very challenging. It has a lot of character, with this one very unnecessary hill."

- Uta Pippig

2007 Official Boston Marathon Merchandise

2007-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

Pre-order your official Boston Marathon merchandise now at Image Impact! Jackets, T's, Hats, and mugs are available. According to their website, Image Impact is "expecting delivery of the jackets in early March, at which time all pre-ordered units will be shipped."

LET'S GO RED SOX!

2007-01-26T06:30:00.000-08:00

The Red Sox will start their traditional Patriots Day game on April 16 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at 10:05 a.m., an hour earlier than in previous years. The change is due to the earlier start of the Boston Marathon.

Kastor to run her first Boston

2007-01-25T05:49:00.000-08:00

American Deena Kastor will be at the starting line in Hopkinton for the 111th Boston Marathon on April 16, 2007.

Last year Kastor earned the #1 women's world ranking by Track & Field News for her unstoppable 2:19:36 win in London. Best known for her inspirational bronze medal performance in the 2004 Athens Olympic Marathon, Kastor is a former world record holder in the 5K, a two-time silver medalist at the World Cross Country Championships, and the 2005 Chicago Marathon champion. She is also a multiple American record holder on the roads and track, has won 18 national titles, and is an eight-time NCAA All-American.

“Five and a half years after my first marathon, I am finally running Boston,” says Kastor.

“Tradition, sponsors and fans make this the greatest and most well respected marathon in the world. It is an honor to be a part of Boston this year and it is my greatest desire to win this prestigious event.”

Kastor, who lives in California but has roots in the Boston area, added “I am hoping the crowds will be especially loud as I pass the Newton-Wellesley Hospital as that is where I was born 34 years ago.”

Source: BAA

Fantastic Finish #5

2007-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is the last of five fantastic finishes from The Boston Globe's new book Not Till the Fat Lady Sings. Take a look at the previous four posts if you need to catch up. By the way, these finishes weren't ranked by The Globe. However, this moment made their "10 to start" list...

1998 BostonMarathon

April 20,1998

Ok, so you're coming down Boylston Street and you hear the public address announcer say you're on your way to winning the Boston Marathon. In the bag right? Not quite.

That's what happened to woman wheelchair racer Jean Driscoll. Just as she was about to raise her arms in victory, inches from the finish line, Australia's Louise Sauvage came speeding by and broke the tape. The margin of victory was less than the length of a wheelchair. All this after Driscoll flipped her wheelchair on the trolley trackes in Cleveland Circle and took 5 minutes to get back in the race. Oh yeah, and one other thing: Driscoll raced on a flat tire from Cleveland Circle to the finish line.

A Finish Like No Other...

2007-01-23T06:08:00.000-08:00

Most Dramatic Boston Marathon Finishes - #4 of 5

1980 Boston Marathon
April 19, 1980

Rosie steals the show--and the marathon--from the real winner Jacqueline Gareau.

Yet Another Dramatic Finish

2007-01-22T17:58:00.000-08:00

1996 Boston Marathon

April 15, 1996

After battling cramps and diarrhea, Uta Pippig passes Kenya's Tegla Loroupe in Kenmore Square and goes on to finish first on Boylston Street. Pippig made up an amazing 30 seconds in less than a mile!

Another Dramatic Finish...

2007-01-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

1978 Boston Marathon

April 17, 1978

Boston Billy edges Texan Jeff Wells by two seconds for his second Boston win. Wells ran the last 13 miles in 1:04:22, about 17 seconds faster than Rodgers.

Most Dramatic Boston Finishes

2007-01-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

The next five blog entries are all about dramatic Boston Marathon finishes.

These five thrillers made the list of the top 50 most dramatic Boston sports finishes in The Globe's new book Not Till the Fat Lady Sings.

Pick up a copy, relive some fantastic finishes, and see if some of your favorite "endings" made the list.

Here's the first of five Boston Marathon finishes that made the list...

1982 Boston Marathon

April 19, 1982

The Duel in the Sun - After running neck and neck for 26 miles, Alberto Salazar pulled ahead of Dick Beardsley in the final 150 yards to win by just 2 seconds!

Boston beats NY!

2007-01-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

According to a recent Runners World survey, the Boston Marathon was chosen as the ultimate "dream race" by readers.

Runners World received 10,000 responses worldwide to the survey.
Here are the top 5 races on runners' wish lists...

1. Boston
2. Chicago
3. New York City
4. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C.
5. Disney, Orlando, Florida

Source: Runners World, Dec. 2006

Boston Marathon Quiz

2007-01-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

An 85 year-old male would have to finish a marathon in _____ to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

a) 5:00 hrs
b) 5:30 hrs
c) 6:00 hrs
d) 4:45 hrs

Check the comments section for the answer.

Quote of the day

2007-01-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

“To run Marathon to Athens in Greece, tracing the supposed historic route of Pheidippides in 490 B.C. It’s hilly, it’s hot, it’s not the most well-organized race, but it’s still Marathon to Athens. I was there in 1972 and wanted to run it, but didn’t want to barge in. I already had a reputation for doing that in Boston.”

-Kathrine Switzer mentions a race on her "to do" list, from Runners World Jan. 07.

By signing her entry form "K. V. Switzer," Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to receive a number in the Boston Marathon. By her own estimate, Switzer finished in 4:20:00.

An Interview with Bill Rodgers

2007-01-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

Click this link to hear an interview with 4-time Boston Marathon champ Bill Rodgers

After clicking the link above, scroll down the page until you see the words "Bill Rodgers" with a red bar next it. Double-click the play icon on the red bar and enjoy!

Morse and McGillivray honored by Boston Press

2007-01-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

Boston Athletic Association Executive Director Guy Morse and Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray received the 2006 Sports Personality Award presented by the Boston Press Photographers Association.

The award is presented annually "to that person who; busy though they may be, take time, consideration and cooperation in helping our assignments to be more interesting and newsworthy."

Past recipients have included such Boston sports figures as Red Auerbach, Carl Yastrzemski and Cam Neely, as well as Boston Marathon legends Johnny Kelley and Dick and Rick Hoyt. In 2005, the world-champion Boston Red Sox were honored with the award. The Boston Press Photographers Association is the oldest press & television photographers association in the United States.

Think Coach Belichick has got any chance of winning the award in '07?

Source: B.A.A

U.S. runner passes up Boston

2007-01-14T11:59:00.000-08:00

American Meb Keflezighi, the silver medalist from the Athens Olympic Marathon, will bypass this year's Boston Marathon in favor of making his first appearance at London. Keflezighi had to withdraw from the London Marathon in 2005 after sustaining an Achilles injury in a freak encounter with a dog during a training run.

Bob Larsen, who's been Meb's coach since he enrolled at UCLA in 1994, sees London as a better prep race for the 2008 Olympics instead of the hilly Boston course. Keflezighi finished third in Boston last year.

"It is important to get him into a flat course," said Larsen. "Beijing is absolutely flat. He's never run on a flat course when he's tuned-up and ready to run well. It helps in our planning."

Quote of the day

2007-01-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

"The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy...It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed."

- Jacqueline Gareau, 1980 Boston Marathon champ

That '70s Marathon

2007-01-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

Prokopcuka and Cheruiyot to run Boston

2007-01-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

In its 22nd year as the major sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial Services announced the return of two-time champion Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot of Kenya and last year’s runner-up Jelena Prokopcuka of Latvia for the 111th running of the race on April 16.

Cheruiyot and Prokopcuka have chosen to compete in Boston to reinforce their commanding lead in the prestigious World Marathon Majors series and move closer to sharing the million-dollar prize awarded at the end of the year.

The series brings together the best athletes in the world to compete in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. John Hancock also sponsors a significant purse for the top runners at Boston each year.Both athletes return to Hancock’s elite team with outstanding accomplishments.

Cheruiyot is the reigning Boston and Chicago Marathon champion, earning the distinction as the only man to have ever won both marathons in the same year. In Boston last year, Cheruiyot claimed the course record in 2:07:14. He also won Boston in 2003 and the Milan City Marathon in 2002. “Boston is always an exciting race to compete in and I'd like to thank John Hancock for welcoming me back to run again against a highly competitive field," said Cheruiyot.

Last year’s women’s runner-up in Boston and two-time New York City champion, Jelena Prokopcuka, will be racing for the crown after placing second last year and fourth in 2004. Prokopcuka has competed for Latvia in the past three Olympics and is a multiple national record-holder on the track and roads. At the Osaka Marathon in 2005, she secured the win with a national record of 2:22:56. At New York the past two years, she was the undisputed leader despite being challenged by the world’s best runners.

“Robert and Jelena are two of the premier marathoners in the world, as evidenced by their current standing atop the World Marathon Majors leaderboard,” said Guy Morse, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the marathon. “The constitution of the elite athlete field makes Boston one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events of the spring. Like the rest of the community, we appreciate John Hancock’s ongoing support.”

Volunteer for the 111th Boston Marathon

2007-01-10T08:06:00.000-08:00

The Boston Marathon needs YOU...or one of your friends. Be a part of the best marathon on the planet. Volunteer now! Follow the link below to check out some of the job descriptions and register online. Thank you in advance to the thousands of dedicated individuals who help out on Marathon Day.

Click here to volunteer for the Boston Marathon

Will Cloney Award Presented to B.A.A.'s Guy Morse

2007-01-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Last month Bill Rodgers and his brother Charlie (of the Bill Rodgers Running Center) presented the 2006 Will Cloney Award to Guy Morse of the Boston Athletic Association.

The award, which honors continuing service to the sport of road running, particularly in the Boston area, is named after Will Cloney, race director of the Boston Marathon from 1947 through 1982, and president of the B.A.A. from 1964 through 1982.

Morse, the race director of the Boston Marathon from 1985-2000, and the Boston Athletic Association's executive director since 2001, first became involved with the Marathon in the mid-1970's when he served as a volunteer for Cloney.

"On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the award, they hearkened back to someone who would embody decades of service, not just someone who did something exceptional this past year," said B.A.A. president Tom Grilk in introducing Morse. "Without Guy, who knows what would have become of [the Boston Marathon] . . . Nothing happens until someone makes it happen; that person, for us, is Guy Morse."

Source: B.A.A