Boston Marathon ®
#finishSTRONG 12 4 t h B o s to n M a r at h o n ® V I RT UA L E X P E R I E N C E | O f f ici a l P r og r a m
Official Program
2020
september 2020
sept. 7-14
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Poland Spring. Proud sponsor of the Boston Marathon. Follow us @polandspringwtr PolandSpring.com/175years
To Our Valued Boston Marathon Participants,
O
n behalf of the Boston Athletic Association, thank you for joining us for the 124th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience.
For the first time since 1897, the Boston Marathon was not held on its traditional Patriots’ Day date in April. Instead, you made Boston Marathon history by participating in the Boston Marathon Virtual Experience September 7 through 14. This year, the world united in spirit to cover the marathon distance in nearly 90 countries around the world.
T:10.5”
Canceling the marathon as we have known it for 123 years was as heartbreaking as it was historical. However, we know it was entirely necessary to mitigate the spread of coronavirus and ensure the health of participants, volunteers, and members of the community. While we could not bring the world to Boston, we were encouraged by the ways participants brought Boston to the world—from homemade break tapes, to hand-drawn finish lines, to family-filled scream tunnels—Hopkinton to Boston spanned the globe. The community spirit was also widespread through the Boston Marathon Virtual Volunteer Challenge, with thousands of volunteers giving back to their local communities and supporting front-line workers. From all of us at the B.A.A., thank you for embracing the Boston Marathon Virtual Experience! We wish you continued health and happiness until we run together again in person.
Sincerely,
Michael P. O’Leary, M.D. President
Thomas S. Grilk Chief Executive Officer
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 1
YOU EVER IMAGINED
Contents
22
18 Covid-19 Support Efforts
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, learn how the global running community has come together in support of one another.
22 Doing Good, Moving Forward
Reigning Boston Marathon champion Daniel Romanchuk has had a busy spring and summer.
24 Reflections from the John Hancock Elite Athlete Team Some of the fastest and most accomplished runners in the world share what they’ve been up to.
Where to
run
26 Stories of 2020
In recognition of this year’s Boston Marathon, the B.A.A. highlights 26 stories epitomizing the true spirit of the marathon.
30 1918 Military Relay
Back in 1918, the Boston Marathon was held as a military relay in recognition of America’s efforts in World War I.
32 Para Athletics Premiere
Boston Marathon to feature inaugural Para Athletics Divisions in 2021.
36 Not Guided by Numbers
Manuela Schär of Switzerland reflects on her 2019 victory.
40 Boston Marathon Champions 44 Top Times at Boston 46 The Making of a Legend
Born to Coach chronicles the journey of Boston Marathon icon Bill Squires.
52 Celebrating Six Stars
The Abbott World Marathon Majors continues to inspire global competition.
60 Yankee Insider's Guide to Boston A virtual tour of Boston to explore online this year, and in person, when you visit in the future.
18
(when you’re not running Boston)
Special road race section begins on page 67
26
ON THE COVER: Kenya’s Lawrence Cherono edged Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa by two seconds at the 2019 Boston Marathon, using determination and a late surge to #finishSTRONG. photo courtesy of photorun • painterly fx by john goodwin. 4
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | Official Program
photos: Marathon Foto, photorun, courtesy
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2020 B.A.A. BOSTON MARATHON® Official Program Boston Athletic Association
President of board
Michael P. O'Leary, M.D. Chief Operating Officer
Jack Fleming Director of Communications
Chief Executive Officer
Thomas S. Grilk Historian/Archivist
Gloria Ratti
Kendra Butters
Director of Marketing and Sponsorship
Communications Manager
Scott Stover
Chris Lotsbom
Marketing Manager
Kristina Pantalone Yankee Custom Marketing Publisher
Jamie Trowbridge • jamiet@yankeepub.com Managing Editor
Bill Burke Creative Director
John Goodwin Production Director
Jodie Hall
Publisher
Brook Holmberg • brookh@yankeepub.com Advertising: Vice President
JD Hale • jdh@yankeepub.com Senior Account Executives
Dean Deluca • deand@yankeepub.com Kelly Moores • kellym@yankeepub.com Steve Hall • steveh@yankeepub.com Independent Account Executive
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Valerie Lithgow • valeriel@yankeepub.com Marketing Associate
Holly Sloane • hollys@yankeepub.com The Boston Marathon Official Program is published under official sanction of the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and Yankee Publishing, which is wholly responsible for its contents. BOSTON MARATHON®, B.A.A. Marathon, and the B.A.A. Unicorn Logo are registered trademarks of the Boston Athletic Association. Use of these trademarks without written permission from the Boston Athletic Association is prohibited. © Copyright 2020 by Yankee Publishing, Inc. and the Boston Athletic Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission by any method whatsoever, is prohibited. For advertising information, call 800-736-1100
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 5
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OCOMMONWEALTH FFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OFFICEOF OFMASSACHUSETTS THE GOVERNOR COMMONWEALTH COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS OF MASSACHUSETTS S TATE H OUSE B OSTON , MA 02133 OFFICE GOVERNOR STATE HOUSEOF BOSTON Sthe TATE , MA HOUSE 02133 BOSTON, MA 02133 (617) 725-4000 (617) 725-4000 (617) 725-4000 COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSETTS CHARLES D. BAKER CHARLES D.CHARLES BAKER D. BAKER GOVERNOR GOVERNOR GOVERNOR
KARYN E. POLITO KARYNE. E. PO P KARYN
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR LIEUTENANT GO GO LIEUTENANT
September 2020
September 2020 Septembe
Septembe
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends: Dear Friends:
Dear Friends:
On behalf of the On behalf Commonwealth of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of Massachusetts, Lieutenant Governor Lieutenant Go On behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Karyn I would Polito like and to I welcome would like you to welcome to the first-ever you to Boston the first-ever Marathon Boston Go Ma On behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lieutenant Karyn Polito and I would like to welcome you to the first-ever Boston Virtual Experience Virtual hosted Experience by the hosted Boston Athletic the Boston Association. Athletic Association. Karyn Polito and I would like toby welcome you to the first-ever Boston Ma Marathon Virtual Experience hosted by the Boston Athletic Association. Virtual Experience hosted by the Boston Athletic Association.
While we are unable While we to welcome are unable 30,000 to welcome participants 30,000 from participants around the from globe around the While we are unable to welcome 30,000 participants from around the globe to the Commonwealth to the Commonwealth this year, the this spirityear, of the themarathon spirit of the andmarathon Massachusetts and Massach to thewe Commonwealth this year, the spirit of the marathon and Massachusetts arevirtual unable to welcome 30,000 participants frominaround the shines on. While Through shines this on. Through experience, this virtualmore experience, than 16,000 more participants than 16,000 participants 95 shines on. Through thisthis virtual experience, more thanof 17,000 participants in 96and Massach to the Commonwealth year, the spirit the marathon countries andcountries all 50 states and will all 50 be states brought willtogether be brought to celebrate together the to celebrate spirit and the spir countries and all 50 states will be brought together to celebrate the spirit and shines ofon. virtual experience, more than 16,000 participants community community theThrough race. of this the race. community of the race.
countries and all 50 states will be brought together to celebrate the spir Lieutenant Governor Lieutenant Polito Governor and would Polito toI express would like ourtoappreciation express ourtoapprecia Lieutenant Governor Polito and IIwould likelike toand express our appreciation to community of the race.
every single participant everysingle single andparticipant volunteer and whovolunteer hashasworked whoso sohas hard worked to continue so hardthis to continu every participant and volunteer who worked hard to continue meaningful tradition. meaningful Whether tradition. running Whether to running achieve running a personal to achieve best, a personal raise funds best, forraise fun this meaningful tradition. Whether to achieve a personal best, raise Lieutenant Governor Polito and I would like to express our apprecia charity, or simply charity, reach or the simply reach line,the thefinish finish Lieutenant line, the Governor Lieutenant andGovernor I wish you and I wis funds for charity, or finish simply reach the line, the Lieutenant Governor and every participant and volunteer who has worked soinMarathon hard to continu the best ofsingle luck best congratulations ofbest luck and on participating on in participating the inBoston the Boston Ma Ithe wishand you the of luck andcongratulations congratulations on participating the Boston meaningful tradition. Whether running to achieve a personal best, raise fun Marathon Virtual Experience. Virtual Experience. Virtual Experience.
charity, or simply reach the finish line, the Lieutenant Governor and I wis
the best Sincerely, of luck and congratulations on participating in the Boston Ma Sincerely, Virtual Experience. Sincerely, Sincerely,
CHARLESCHARLES D. BAKER CHARLES D. BAKER D. BAKER GOVERNOR GOVERNOR
GOVERNOR
CHARLES D. BAKER GOVERNOR
E. POLITO KARYN E. POLITO KARYNKARYN E. POLITO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
KARYN E. POLITO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
The spirit of the marathon and Massachusetts shines on.
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124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | Official Program
The best almonds make the best almondmilk.ÂŽ
Fuel your run with a delicious almondmilk that has 50% more calcium than regular dairy milk.z Congratulations to all the runners. *1 cup of regular dairy milk contains 300mg (25%DV) Calcium vs. 1 cup of Almond Breeze contains 450mg (35%DV) Calcium.
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 7
A message from the mayor of boston September 2020
T
he Boston Marathon is one of our city’s most beloved and time-honored traditions. It’s more than a race; it’s a celebration of the human spirit and a symbol of our city’s strength and resilience. In 2020, that’s more true than ever.
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented the race from taking place in the way we’re used to, that isn’t stopping dedicated athletes and fans from continuing its legacy in a brand-new way.
The first-ever Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will bring the spirit of the Marathon to neighborhoods across the globe.
The first-ever Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will bring the spirit of the Marathon to neighborhoods across the globe; athletes are continuing to raise millions of dollars in support of great causes; and their supporters will still be cheering them on every step of the way. That’s what we do in Boston: We keep our heads up, we support one another with full hearts, and we find a way to finish the race. I couldn’t be more proud of all the athletes who have worked so hard in preparation for this event, and who are persisting under such difficult circumstances. They are an inspiration to us all, and they are reminding us that together we can overcome anything. They are the definition of Boston Strong. Until we can all come together and celebrate at the finish line on Boylston Street once again, I wish all of the athletes, their supporters, and everyone who loves the Boston Marathon good health, good luck, and better times ahead. Sincerely,
Martin J. Walsh Mayor of Boston
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Better Health, Brighter Future At Takeda Oncology, we endeavor to deliver novel medicines to patients with cancer worldwide through our commitment to science, breakthrough innovation and passion for improving the lives of patients. This singular focus drives our aspirations to discover, develop and deliver breakthrough oncology therapies. By concentrating the power of leading scientific minds and the vast resources of a global pharmaceutical company, we are finding innovative ways to improve the treatment of cancer. We know that our mission is not a quick or simple one, but we are up for the task: we aspire to cure cancer.
To learn more, visit us at takedaoncology.com. @TakedaOncology Š2020 Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved.
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 9 boston_marathon_ad_2020.indd 1
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2020 BOSTON MARATHON OFFICIAL SPONSORS ®
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124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 13
124TH BOSTON MARATHON® OFFICIAL LICENSEES
EXCLUSIVE AND OFFICIAL FOOTWEAR AND APPAREL SUPPLIER adidas.com
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124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | Official Program
OFFICIAL BEER samueladams.com
COMMEMORATIVE MERCHANDISE longsjewelers.com
BOSTON MARATHON TREADMILL proform.com
WHILE THE EVENTS OF 2020 CHANGED SO MUCH, THEY ALSO CONFIRMED EXACTLY WHO WE ARE. No matter the miles between us, we remain a team committed to reaching the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer. Wherever we are, we will keep running. Cancer doesn’t quit, and neither do we. Support our DFMC team and join us in 2021: RunDFMC.org
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 15
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124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | Official Program
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124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 17
covid-19 support efforts
Helping First Responders and Health Care Heroes
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the global running community has come together in support of one another in many ways. In Boston, the B.A.A., principal sponsor John Hancock, and others united to support essential workers and those who have been impacted most by the pandemic.
18
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F
ollowing the postponement of the 2020 Boston Marathon, the B.A.A. worked with local agencies to respond to their pressing needs and donated race-related medical supplies. Items including medical and non-medical grade gloves, medical grade face shields, face masks, IV fluid bags, hand sanitizer, antiseptic, thermometer covers, nebulizer tubing sets, and ponchos were donated to local organizations including the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) through their COVID-19 Donation Program. Supplies were also donated to Boston Emergency Medical Services, Massachusetts State Police, and
St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Mass. “We quickly shifted our focus to determine ways we could positively impact and help people within our community," said B.A.A. CEO Tom Grilk. “I’m tremendously proud of B.A.A. staff for not only managing the myriad of logistics that come with historic changes to the Boston Marathon, but simultaneously collaborating with our city and state partners to help those in need.” In addition, the B.A.A. contributed $100,000 to the Boston Resiliency Fund, which provides essential services to Boston residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
photo Courtesy John Coutinho
Donating Race Medical Supplies to the Front Line
Coming Together While Apart
T
On Patriots’ Day, the B.A.A. and media partner WBZ-TV hosted A Patriots’ Day of Giving in support of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. The day featured race coverage from the 2014 and 2018 Boston Marathons and was capped off by a primetime airing of BOSTON, the documentary that chronicles the race’s storied history. A total of $290,000 was raised over the course of the day thanks to generous contributions from nearly 1,700 donors. To date, the fund has raised more than $30 million. Throughout the day, messages of gratitude from Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Red Sox legend David Ortiz, Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, and Boston Marathon champion Des Linden were expressed to those on the front lines.
B.A.A. photo
he Boston Marathon wouldn't be complete without volunteers! Volunteers who pledged to support participants in April were encouraged to give back to their communities, Boston Marathoners, and Charity Partners through a variety of socially distant activities as part of the Boston Marathon Virtual Volunteer Challenge. Check out #BAAGivesBack on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to see how volunteers celebrated the spirit of the Boston Marathon through race week.
On April 20, the B.A.A. placed a full-page ad in the Boston Globe saluting those working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of workers not only in Boston but around the world. The message stated: We’ll wait to start, until you reach the finish. Thousands of Boston Marathoners shared what the race personally means to them and thanked their supportive families, friends, and fellow runners through the Boston Marathon social media channels using #finishSTRONG. 124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 19
covid-19 support efforts
Lighting the Commonwealth Blue
weeks surrounding Patriots’ Day included Boston’s City Hall, the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Government Center MBTA Station, TD Garden, and Gillette Stadium. A $1 million donation was also made to the Boston Resiliency Fund to support COVID-19 relief for the most vulnerable and affected populations in Boston. More than 8,500 meals for the essential workforce at responding Boston hospitals in partnership with nonprofit Off Their Plate. The B.A.A. and John Hancock also contributed 124 Boston Marathon invitational entry bibs to responding hospitals battling the COVID-19 pandemic, the Boston Resiliency Fund, and organizations on the front lines of the crisis.
photo Courtesy John Hancock
J
ohn Hancock, the 35-year principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, led a gratitude campaign across the state to light Massachusetts blue in a display of thanks for those working on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. John Hancock, the B.A.A., Governor Baker and Mayor Walsh encouraged everyone—from the business community to residents—to light their buildings blue and show support by displaying signs of gratitude in their homes. John Hancock’s historic weather beacon was lit blue and a large banner reading “You are Essential. We are Grateful,” was hung on the company’s 200 Berkeley Street building in Boston. Other landmarks across the state that were lit blue in the
How Our Sponsors & Partners Are Lending a Hand Abbott developed and distributed COVID-19 tests to help health care providers in the fight against the coronavirus. Three tests are molecular, helping detect active COVID-19 infections, and two are serology tests, detecting antibodies.
5 30,000
bags of Terra Chips, provided by JetBlue Airways for finishers of the Boston Marathon, were donated to the Greater Boston Food Bank.
JetBlue Airways honored health care heroes by providing
100,000
complimentary flights to those involved in the fight against COVID-19. 20
24/7
AT&T provided around-the-clock connectivity to first responders including police, firefighters, EMS, health care professionals, and military personnel.
STEM
programs available to teachers, students, and parents, helping to support digital social distance learning across the country.
Samuel Adams created the Restaurant Strong Fund raising more than
5 million
$
to support restaurant workers in 20 states.
CLIF Bar pledged
CITGO awarded nearly
CLIF, LUNA, and CLIF Kid Bars to help feed front-line health care workers, first responders, and families in need.
in grants to numerous nonprofit and charitable organizations in need.
14 million
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | Official Program
500,000
$
courtesy photos
TCS made
OUR COMMITMENT TO RACIAL JUSTICE The Boston Athletic Association, our Board of Governors, staff, team members, and volunteers stand steadfast with the Black community against racism and social injustice. We share the collective grief and anguish that has spread across our nation following the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and countless others who have been killed. Our mission for over 130 years has been to promote health and fitness through running, and we believe that everyone—no matter their race, gender, or background—should be able to advance their well-being safely and without fear or discrimination of any kind. We cannot work towards health and wellness without recognizing disparities that continue to impact the Black community at a disproportionate rate. We know there is more we can do. We will continue to listen. We will continue to learn. BLACK LIVES MATTER. Visit baa.org/commitment-racial-justice to learn more about our organization’s next steps.
Doing Good, Moving Forward
Reigning Boston Marathon champion Daniel Romanchuk has had a busy spring and summer. Here’s what the 22-year-old champion has been up to. A Global Push On Patriots’ Day, in the spirit of the Boston Marathon, Daniel organized a virtual wheelchair push and welcomed athletes from around the world to join in the friendly competition. From Boston champions and Paralympic medalists to youth wheelchair athletes, Daniel and his mom, Kim, hosted a Zoom Boston Marathon push for an hour and 18 minutes—the current course record time in Boston. More than 60 wheelchair athletes from nearly 15 nations pushed together, conversing along the way. Jack Fleming, B.A.A. chief operating officer, joined in to share race history and facts about the Boston course. The idea for a virtual push came to Daniel and Kim as a way to say thank you to Boston, and recognize the power of the marathon. The virtual push allowed racers to be together on what would traditionally be one of their favorite weekends. 22
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | Official Program
Over 60 wheelchair racers from nearly 15 nations united for a virtual Zoom Boston Marathon push on Patriots' Day.
photorun.net • painterly fx: john Goodwin
Daniel Romanchuk
Focusing on the Front Lines Like so many others, Daniel has been focused on the front-line workers battling COVID-19. Daniel’s sister, Kathryn, is an emergency department nurse in New York City, adding a personal connection to the fight against coronavirus. In March, Daniel handmade masks for health care providers, grocery store workers, and other essential workers. “My domestic skills are somewhat lacking, but I can use scissors!” he joked on Facebook before urging all to thank and support the frontline efforts. “Athletes all over the world expressed solidarity to put sport aside in light of the current global health crisis … in the big picture it is a small thing [to do].”
Connecting with the Future Daniel has always been an athlete who looks for ways to connect with the next generation of wheelchair racers. In Boston last year, he took part in a youth adaptive sports clinic prior to the B.A.A. 10K presented by Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and cheered on young athletes on Boston Common. This summer, Daniel paired up with six-time Paralympian and eight-time Boston Marathon runner-up Krige Schabort to host a webinar series for youth racers, coaches, parents, and event organizers. From highlighting the various parts of a racing chair to showing how to choose the right tire, Daniel and Krige have shared their expertise on all aspects of wheelchair racing.
A Day in the Life
What does a typical day look like for arguably the top wheelchair racer in the world? Before April's race was cancelled, Romanchuk shared what a typical training day looks like.
Tuesday, January 14 5:30–6:30 a.m.: Wake up, eat
breakfast (scrambled eggs and coffee), and shower.
6:45 a.m.: Drive to practice with Jason, a high school student who is staying with me for a training visit.
I felt the impact of having mentors when I was starting to get serious about racing, so I want to do the same for younger racers. 7:00 a.m.: Glue tires on a new
set of wheels and inflate tires. “I alternate wheels between a training set and a competition set.”
7:45 a.m.: Roller Practice/ Workout No. 1: Today’s workout was based on vmax, a measurement that is focused on the fastest sprint one can possibly do. • warm up for 15 minutes • split 3 minutes at 60% vmax • 3 minutes at 70% vmax • 2 minutes at 80% vmax • 1 minute at 85% vmax • 2x20 seconds at 90% vmax with 45 seconds rest • 2x25 seconds at 90% vmax with 35 seconds rest • vmax attempt for rest of practice set • main set: 15x45 seconds holding 90% vmax or greater with 90 seconds rest • cool down for 5 minutes 8:45 a.m.: At the end of practice,
I switched rings to new wheels and switched new wheels to my chair in preparation for tomorrow’s practice. (Rings are what wheelchair athletes push to propel forward.)
9:15–9:45 a.m.: Drive home, drink a chocolate milk for recovery, and shower. 10:30–11:30 a.m.: Do laundry,
go through mail, respond to social media posts, and clean the kitchen.
12:00–1:00 p.m.: Eat lunch (sweet potato and milk), relax, listen to Pandora (Christian music mix). 1:30 p.m.: Visit Marty Morse, a wheelchair athlete and coach who revolutionized the University of Illinois wheelchair program. 3:15 p.m.: Pick up Jason then head to lifting practice. 4:00–5:00 p.m.: Gym work/ Workout No. 2: • medicine ball floor slams • chest pass to wall • inverted push-ups • pull-ups • curl to press with kettlebell • kettlebell drag/push-ups
I don’t get [too] excited before certain workouts or dread others: It’s just what’s on the menu today, a job to be done. This workout was aimed at being able to sprint repeatedly at high capacity. During races there are multiple bursts of speed as someone tries to break away from a group and, of course, there’s often that final sprint to the finish. 5:00–6:00 p.m.: Drive home, drink plain milk for recovery, and shower. 6:00–7:30 p.m.: Make dinner (spaghetti with tomato sauce) and talk with my roommate, Joey, and Jason, who is here for a few weeks. 7:30–8:15 p.m.: Eat blackberries and a Clif bar, and read the Bible. 8:15–8:30 p.m.: Talk with my mother, who doubles as my manager, to go over business items and commitment schedule for the next couple of days. 8:45 p.m.: Go to bed.
Daniel Romanchuk mentored youth athletes at last year's B.A.A. 10K.
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 23
photorun.net
“It's a fun group push to bring the racing community together in this time when it's easy to feel isolated,” said Daniel. “I know the racers feel that way, that the race does such a good job and is so wonderfully supportive of the wheelchair racing division. Just a small way of saying, ‘We’re there with you,’” Kim told TeamUSA.org.
adapting to change
Reflections from the John Hancock Elite Athlete Team
Some of the fastest and most accomplished runners in the world share what they’ve been up to over the last six months. The following reflections were gathered earlier this summer in June and July. During quarantine, I have tried to remind myself, daily, how lucky I am to be riding this thing out healthfully and relatively unimpacted compared to the people who have been severely affected either financially or physically. I've taken this time to read a lot and enjoy the company of my girlfriend and dog. I've also golfed a lot. Like, really a lot.
My family and I are living in Colorado and our routine every morning is to go for a run with our children, Carlos and Wendy, with Gilbert, my husband, as our coach. He makes sure we do strength and flexibility exercises four times a week. We follow a good nutritional program, so I maintain my running form and shape especially now that I am doing low-mileage training. During the day, I check on my kids doing their online classes, then later Wendy and I knit and crotchet. It’s a lot of fun to do this together. Like everybody, we have been watching movies after dinner, and on the weekends we hike and explore new trails. Even from here I work with the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret in Kenya, which has a system of assisting less fortunate families. There is also a youth program in Colorado where I meet students to talk one-on-one and provide advice. It reminds me a lot of my own high school years.
Hello to all of my running family and friends. I hope everyone is doing well in these times. I am very sad and unhappy with how this year has turned out for all of us, but we must remain positive and mentally strong. As athletes we spend so much time in hard training that we forget sometimes to invest in those closest to us as much as we should. I have been able to slow down some and spend more time with my children, follow my business more closely and invest time in helping my home community. I’ve participated in video calls with young students to help spread a message of hope and positivity and remind them to be strong and that we will all be back together soon. For all of you, I wish for the day we are running down Boylston Street again.
— Edna Kiplagat • Kenya 2017 Boston Marathon champion and two-time world champion
— Lelisa Desisa • Ethiopia Two-time Boston Marathon champion (2013 & 2015) and 2019 world champion
— Scott Fauble • U.S.A. 7th place & top American finisher at the 2019 Boston Marathon
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I'm using this time to take a break from my typical program of travel, train, and race. It's dynamic but has included working on getting faster, taking total time off from running, hitting the trails on foot and by gravel bike, paddling around by kayak, reading books, and spending quality time with family. I think there's great value in trying to find the upside in a turbulent time. I'm trying to stay fit, refresh mentally, and have the most fun possible without the confines of a stressful race schedule, so I'll be ready physically and mentally as we return to normal.
I would like to send you all warm greetings from Kenya. The pandemic has hit our country very hard like everywhere around the world. We are still allowed to train alone, which is good for body and mind. I spend time with my family and try to keep young athletes motivated. At times, the pandemic is very challenging, but as sports people we are used to challenges
— Des Linden • U.S.A. 2018 Boston Marathon champion
and this situation will pass. Boston feels like home for me. It’s where life changed for me and my family, and I will always be thankful for this. It makes me very sad not being able to celebrate together with everybody in Boston the great marathon, but time will pass, and we will meet soon. I wish everybody strength and health. — Geoffrey Kirui • Kenya 2017 Boston Marathon champion and 2017 world champion
Due to COVID-19 I had to change my life, as it was not possible to train full time. I’ve focused on my farm where I’ve planted potatoes, and I had the opportunity to spend more time with my family. This period is very difficult for a lot of people here in Kenya who have not been able to work as usual. This is why I decided to help the Naema Children’s Home to provide a supply of food for them. I am hopeful the pandemic will end and that I will be able to train with my teammates in Kaptagat and return to run the Boston Marathon, which has a special place in my memories forever. I loved every mile of this race. — Lawrence Cherono • Kenya • 2019 Boston Marathon champion
The coronavirus was so unexpected, and it immediately impacted how everyone around the world lives. I used to train every day, for instance. I still do but it's not the same since every major sporting event has been cancelled. So, I try to keep my mind off the stress and usually look after my plants, spend time with my husband and my family, watch movies and try to During the emergency declaration in Japan, I organized past articles, newspapers, and books while continuing my training around my apartment. I have reflected on my running career and gather more information for training. Communicating with many runners around the world through Facebook has helped me feel connected. I put together a list of exercise guidelines from several countries and created bonds with many runners. I am looking forward to returning to Boston next year to run with everyone. — Yuki Kawauchi • Japan • 2018 Boston Marathon champion
keep myself motivated. I was looking forward to the Boston Marathon and the cancellation was difficult, but like most runners, I will never give up and I will still keep pushing forward. — Worknesh Degefa • Ethiopia • 2019 Boston Marathon champion
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 25
Stories of 2020
From determined runners to dedicated volunteers, front-line workers to community leaders and beyond, these 26 individuals and teams epitomize the true spirit of the Boston Marathon. In recognition of this unprecedented year, the B.A.A. recognizes this group as the Honorary Boston Marathon Team. Community Leader Gael Henville
Community Leader Kim Hermesch
A second-year principal who navigated an unconventional school year, Kim is a dedicated runner for the American Liver Foundation’s marathon team and mother of two daughters and two foster children who joined her family in January. Kim’s remained determined to complete the Boston Marathon Virtual Experience. Community Leader Rachel Moo
Rachel is an educator who was Martin Richard’s second grade teacher. Rachel designed a curriculum in which her class learned about social change through nonviolence and peace. It was during one of the Peace Studies classes that Martin made his poster which reads "No more hurting people. Peace." Rachel joined the inaugural Team MR8 in 2014 and has completed three Boston Marathons and numerous other races in his honor. Her support of the Martin Richard Foundation helped guide its vision for a more united, compassionate, inclusive, and just community. This is the final year for Team MR8’s Boston Marathon team.
photos: marathon foto, photorun, courtesy
Community Leader Katonya Burke
Gael is a dedicated runner and coach in the Boston community, inspiring many runners to reach their own personal finish line. Gael serves as coach for the Road to Wellness 5K, a community-based event that offers free introductory training clinics and culminates in a race that welcomes runners of all abilities. Her goal is “to demonstrate incrementally that you can become what you believe to reveal your very best awesomeness.” This year, Gael is coaching Rochelle Solomon, a member of Black Girls Run who will be completing her first Boston Marathon in September.
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Katonya is a leader in the Boston community, serving as an ambassador and volunteer for Black Girls Run. Katonya also served on the front lines as a FedEx driver, working throughout the pandemic. She’s running her first Boston, fundraising and volunteering for Trinity Boston’s Team Sole Train.
Community Leader annie JaCKson
Front-Line WorKer LuKe HerLiHy
Annie has been a mainstay at B.A.A. community events, working her way up the ranks to become one of the best high school runners in the state. Having started competing at B.A.A. races in elementary school, Annie was set to cap off her high school career at this year’s B.A.A. Scholastic Mile representing Boston. She’s not only shined on the track, but also in the community as a mentor for Youth Enrichment Services (YES) and served on the Youth Board of Directors for the MR8 Foundation.
Luke has raised over $15,000 for the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Stepping Strong Marathon team, giving back to the hospital that helped him recover from a noncancerous, yet incredibly impactful, brain tumor in 2017. Currently employed as a Patient Transporter at BWH, Luke is working towards his goal of becoming a Neuropsychologist in the Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology at BWH.
Community Leader adnan aBdiraHman
Front-Line WorKer Joe Lau
Last year, Adnan made it his goal to earn a spot on the starting line representing Boston at April’s B.A.A. Scholastic Mile. Running countless miles in training and working alongside his teammates, Adnan achieved just that after becoming the Boston city champion in the mile with a time of 4:37. Adnan is part of the B.A.A.’s Class of 2020 and Honor Roll. Front-Line WorKer CHaKradHar venKata
A cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist, Joe served on the front lines in Queens and Long Island battling the COVID-19 pandemic caring for upwards of 20 patients a day. With every patient that was successfully discharged, Joe and his team were overjoyed. Running has been a constant positive throughout, and Joe looks forward to completing the Virtual Experience.
Front-Line WorKer Lindsay devers
Chakradhar is an ICU doctor in Missouri who is serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Going above and beyond his duties, Chakradhar and his team created innovative ways to conserve personal protective equipment and cared for countless patients, becoming a part of their support system. Chakradhar runs as part of the American Red Cross’s marathon team. FrontLine WorKer deB BuonoPane
A Navy veteran, Deb has volunteered at a medical tent along the Boston Marathon course for the past two years. Deb also works as an ER nurse at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and in April contracted COVID-19. She was taken care of by her co-workers and friends, and upon leaving the hospital, hundreds of nurses applauded her courage. She’s since recovered and safely returned back to work, doing what she does best—taking care of others.
Lindsay is a nurse anesthetist at Massachusetts General Hospital who gained fame for her marathon attempt in April. Looking to add a creative flair to her run to spread the message of hope and resilience, Lindsay attempted to spell "Boston Strong" en route to completing 26.2 miles on Patriots’ Day. However, she forgot the "n"! Despite the spelling error, Lindsay’s efforts inspired many. She is part of the Dream Big! marathon team.
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stories of 2020 Front-line Worker Jeanette Corsini
A Boston Marathon volunteer for over three decades, Jeanette is a friendly face in the finish line medical tent helping countless marathoners after they earn their unicorn medal. She leads a dedicated team of nurses each and every year, and also works at MetroWest Medical Center serving in the ICU.
Runners Konnie & Karla McCollum
Runner Bennett Beach
Bennett will go for his 53rd straight Boston Marathon finish this September. Having started running Boston as a student at Harvard in 1968, Bennett hasn’t missed a Boston Marathon in over a half-century. He’s the first Boston Marathoner to record more than 50 finishes in a row.
Runner Jeannie Rice
From Ohio, Jeannie is the 70+ world record-holder in the marathon, having run 3:24:48 last year. Her aim in 2020 was to set a new Boston Marathon 70+ record, and she’s trained hard for the Virtual Experience alongside many other Boston Marathoners. Jeannie’s 100th career marathon came in Boston in 2015, when she won her age division!
Runner Brian Foley
A longtime member of the B.A.A. Running Club, Brian has finished 30 consecutive Boston Marathons and will achieve his 31st in September. Not only that, Brian also has a three-decadelong streak of finishing the New York City Marathon. Sisters Konnie and Karla have done just about everything side by side. Karla, an ovarian cancer survivor, and Konnie, a heart attack survivor, overcame their health setbacks and qualified side by side for Boston. They’re both entered in the Virtual Experience, and will run together in Indiana. Runner Benson Langat
photos: marathon foto, photorun, courtesy
Running his first Boston, Benson will be running his Virtual Experience in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He’s been aiming to complete the Boston Marathon for many years, ever since he was a child growing up in Kenya as neighbor to Elijah Lagat, the 2000 Boston Marathon champion.
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Runner Amanda WatTers
Amanda has inspired many as coach of the B.A.A. Charity Team, leading a group of more than 20 runners in pursuit of their unicorn medal. Amanda has a streak of 15 consecutive Boston finishes, and will complete No. 16 this year just eight months after becoming a mom. She’s also volunteered at the Boston Marathon for over 20 years.
CHamPion amBassador danieL romanCHuK
Para atHLete JaCKy Hunt-Broersma
At 20 years old, Daniel made history in 2019 by becoming the youngest wheelchair champion in race history. Earlier this year, he hosted a virtual Boston Marathon wheelchair push on Patriots’ Day. Learn more about Daniel on page 22.
Jacky was entered in April’s race looking to compete for prize money and awards as part of the Boston Marathon’s first ever Para Athletics Division for lower limb-impaired athletes. One of the most accomplished ultramarathoners around, she has completed several ultramarathons and the Boston Marathon. She was the first amputee to run 100 miles on a treadmill, accomplished during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order.
CHamPion amBassador des Linden
Des persevered through driving rain to win the 2018 Boston Marathon, becoming the first American woman to claim the open division since 1985. A two-time Olympic Marathoner representing Team USA, she’s finished in the top five at Boston five times.
Para atHLete CHaZ davis
A 2016 Paralympian on the track, Chaz was set to compete in Boston this year with the hope of making the U.S. Paralympic Team, headlining the inaugural Para Athletics Divisions of the Boston Marathon. “After losing my vision in 2013, I used my goal of qualifying for the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Team as motivation to get my life back on track,” said Davis. He’s now the T12 American record-holder with a 2:31:48 marathon best, and aims to finish his second Boston Marathon in September.
CHamPion amBassador tatyana mCFadden
Para duo Kevin HoLLand & niCK euFraZio
Tatyana is one of the most decorated and dominant champions in race history, having won five titles between 2013 and 2018. A 17-time Paralympic medalist, she’s widely regarded as one of the best wheelchair racers in history.
While serving in Afghanistan, Nick was wounded by a grenade explosion and Kevin served on the rescue mission. The pair were reunited in 2018 and quickly bonded over their love of Boston sports. This bond formed a strong friendship, and both were set to run as one in April for the Semper Fi Fund.
CHamPion amBassador meB KeFLeZiGHi
One of the most decorated runners in U.S. history, Meb is the only man to have won the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, and an Olympic marathon medal over the course of their career. Meb broke the tape on Boylston Street in 2014, becoming the first American to win the open division since 1983. A year after his victory, Meb was inducted into the National Black Marathoners Hall of Fame. Last year he served as Boston Marathon Grand Marshal.
in memoriam aHmaud arBery
Ahmaud Arbery was known in his community as an avid runner. In February, while out for an afternoon run in Georgia, Ahmaud was shot and killed. The deaths of Ahmaud, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless others are a tragic reminder of the racial injustice that exist today. The B.A.A. believes that everyone— no matter their race, gender, or background—should be able to advance their well-being by running safely and without fear or discrimination of any kind. Though Ahmaud never ran the Boston Marathon, this year, we run for Ahmaud.
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B.A.A. photo
1918 Military Relay
September’s Boston Marathon Virtual Experience marks the first time the event has been held outside of April. However, it’s not the first time the race has been altered due to global events: In 1918, the Boston Marathon was held as a military relay in recognition of America’s efforts in World War I.
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o matter the date or format, the Boston Marathon continues to represent resilience, community spirit, and athletic excellence. Let’s look back at the first time the marathon was changed, and how it resulted in a special chapter in the storied history of the Boston Marathon. In 1918, B.A.A. official George V. Brown saw an opportunity to use the 22nd running of the Boston Marathon as a means to spur patriotism among the community and announced that the race would be a military relay—pitting teams from the Army and Navy against one another. Fourteen Army and Navy teams of 10 men competed, each member running a 2.5 mile-leg between Ashland and Boston. Teams were made up of an assortment of servicemen, with few having any background in distance running. Still, each team passed the baton with pride along the course as crowds gathered to cheer them on.
Why hold a relay instead of simply cancelling the 1918 Boston Marathon? Brown viewed the race as a chance to celebrate the patriotic spirit, determination, and sense of community that has always been a cornerstone of the Boston Marathon.
The boys ran in uniform, heavy shoes and all,” the
New York Times chronicled at the time, “and were cheered by thousands of spectators along the route. By shining the spotlight on Army and Navy troops, the race also was viewed as a way to promote the sale of war bonds. Reaching Boston first was the Army
Divisional team from Camp Devens, Mass., a base just 30 miles northwest of Boston. Nine privates and one sergeant combined to finish more than a half mile ahead of the 302nd Infantry, also from Camp Devens. Their times were 2:24:53 and 2:28:10, while the team from Boston Navy Yard rounded out the podium in third in 2:28:45. Cementing their spot in race history, Camp Devens remains listed among Boston Marathon champions to this day. Camp Devens is etched on the Boston Marathon Centennial Monument in Copley Square just beyond the finish line, nestled between 1917 champion William “Bricklayer Bill” Kennedy and 1919 victor Carl W. A. Linder. They are the only group to have been proclaimed Boston Marathon champions, representing a unique year in race history.
fayfoto
history repeating itself On the 100-year anniversary of the 1918 Boston Marathon, 16 service members representing the cities and towns along the Boston Marathon route came together to run a ceremonial Military Relay as part of the B.A.A.’s Year of Service. Despite torrential rain and driving wind, the service members relished the opportunity to recreate a meaningful part of race history and completed the relay. “Running in the Military Relay was an inspirational experience for me as a career Army officer, veteran, and as a citizen of our country because I was able to be a part of recognizing
➜ A ribbon from the 1918 Boston Marathon Military Relay
and celebrating the actions of those members of the military whose endeavors enabled the Marathon to continue uninterrupted a century ago,” said Mark Johnson, a Colonel in the U.S. Army who represented the town of Brookline. “The impact of World War I touched everyone and everything. The Boston Marathon was no different,” added Army Staff Sergeant Dennis Magnasco after covering the final leg of the relay two years ago. “The 1918 Military Relay team is an excellent example of veterans and military members coming together to help their community in a time of need— something our veterans still do today.” 124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 31
para athletes preview
Marko Cheseto Lemtukei ➜
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Para Athletics Premiere Boston Marathon to feature inaugural Para Athletics Divisions in 2021
marathon foto • painterly fx: john Goodwin
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ith the in-person Boston Marathon canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, a significant milestone in race history will have to wait until next year. The 2020 Boston Marathon was set to feature competitive divisions for classified ambulatory Para athletes for the first time, showcasing Paralympians, world recordholders, and rising stars. Athletes with vision impairments (classifications T11, T12, and T13), lower limb impairments (prosthesis T61-64), and upper limb impairments (T45/T46) were to compete for prize money and top awards for the first time in April. As one of the world’s most recognized sporting events, the Boston Marathon aims to be a platform that showcases the athleticism, achievements, and competition of aspiring and elite Para athletes beyond the already established wheelchair division. More than four decades ago, the Boston Marathon was the first marathon to host a wheelchair division. “In recent years, we have witnessed the competitive aspirations of Para athletes within major marathons,” said Marla Runyan, manager of Para Athletics and Adaptive Programs at the B.A.A. and a two-time U.S. Olympian and Paralympian. “The new division will recognize and elevate their achievements and pave the way for more athletes to compete at the highest levels of the Boston Marathon.” More than 30 Para athletes were to be part of the inaugural Para Athletics Divisions competing for top honors and prize money within their respective classification categories this year: vision impairment, lower limb impairment, and upper limb impairment. Para athletes are grouped by type of impairment and degree of functional limitation (classifications), helping create a level playing field for competition.
“Para athletes show the world that impairment does not preclude athletic excellence,” said Runyan, who was the first American female across the finish line and fifth overall in the Elite Women’s race at the 2003 Boston Marathon. She holds the Boston record for visually impaired runners (2:30:28). “The B.A.A.’s Para Athletics Divisions will provide an opportunity for the world’s best Para athletes to be showcased and achieve even more in Boston.” Among those entered were Marko Cheseto Lemtukei, who set a world best at Boston in 2019 when he ran 2:42:24, at the time the fastest marathon ever by a double-leg amputee (Cheseto Lemtukei has since improved his marathon record in Chicago running 2:37:23). Brian Reynolds, T62 world record-holder in the half-marathon, and Adam Popp, an ultramarathoner, were to challenge Cheseto Lemtukei for top honors within the division. Others entered included Amy PalmeiroWinters, the first female amputee to finish the 156-mile Marathon des Sables and a 2010 ESPY Award winner, and Jacky Hunt-Broersma, an accomplished ultramathoner from the Netherlands. In the T45/T46 division (arm impairment), Australia’s Michael Roeger— a 2:19:33 marathoner and the 2019 world champion—was set to make his Boston debut. Despite the disappointment of not competing in Boston this year, many will still participate in the Boston Marathon Virtual Experience, including Popp, Reynolds, HuntBroersma, and both Lisa Thompson and Tayana Passos, the top two visually impaired finishers at the 2019 Boston Marathon. Chaz Davis, a 2016 Paralympian on the track for Team USA, will also be racing the Boston Marathon Virtual Experience in September.
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new Para Athletics Divisions will be introduced for the first time in 2021.
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➜ the ones to watch
Adam Popp ➜
marathonfoto
Jacky Hunt-Broersma
Jacky HuntBroersma ➜
marathonfoto
Lisa Thompson ➜
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“After losing my vision in 2013, I used my goal of qualifying for the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Team as motivation to get my life back on track,” said Davis, the T12 American record-holder with a 2:31:48 marathon best. Davis was set to compete in Boston this year with the hope of making the 2020 U.S. Paralympic Team. The Boston Marathon was originally planned to also serve as the U.S. Paralympic Team Selection Event for T45/T46 (arm impairment) and T11/T12 (vision impairment) classifications for the postponed Tokyo 2020 Games. “As a Massachusetts native, there
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was no better place to try to qualify for my second Paralympic team with my family and friends who have supported my efforts,” said Davis. Hosting competitive divisions for Para athletes and recognizing athletes aiming for the Paralympics is something the B.A.A. continues to plan for in 2021 and beyond. “As amputees, we have never been given the opportunity in a big, big race,” said Lemtukei. “We want people to know that if someone has a physical condition, it does not limit what they can do. Everything we need to succeed is within us, it is not outside us.”
Chaz Davis ➜
marathonfoto
london marathon
Brian Reynolds ➜
London Marathon
➜ Michael Roeger receiving his gold medal from Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, following last year's IPC World Championships in London.
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photorun.net • painterly fx: john Goodwin
Not Guided by Numbers
Manuela Schär 36
Manuela Schär of Switzerland dominated the women’s wheelchair race at the Boston Marathon in 2019. Here's how she did it.
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fter she won the 2017 BMW Berlin Marathon, Manuela Schär’s coach inquired about her average speed during the race. She didn’t know. She hadn’t looked. “I just don’t have this connection with numbers,” admitted Schär. She hasn't relied on a speedometer ever since. Schär likes to rely on her feelings. And she feels especially good about the Boston Marathon.
By Ba rba r a H u eb n e r
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Since Schär’s first of two Boston victories, when she smashed the course record and set a world’s best with her time of 1:28:17 in 2017, the Swiss superstar has dominated the sport. She became the first wheelchair athlete to sweep a seven-race Abbott World Marathon Majors series in 2018–2019, having notched victories in Berlin, New York, Tokyo, Boston, London, Chicago, and Berlin. The 35-year-old also set a world record at the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon last November, in 1:35:42.
photorun.net
But despite Schär’s numerical knockout over the past two years, it’s the feel that counts. Not being guided by a speedometer “helped me to push that limit of going as fast as possible for as long as possible,” she said, “because I learned how it felt. In 2017 at Berlin, I think that if I’d looked at that number it would have scared me, because it would have been higher than anything I’d done before. It’s important to move the limit.” When her competitors gather after a race to dissect the day, they love to compare numbers. “I still tell them my experience,” she said, “but in a different way.” Schär’s experience as a wheelchair athlete began not long after she was left paralyzed after a neighbor’s swingset unmoored itself from the ground during a birthday party and fell on top of her when she was 9 years old. Suddenly, neither
she nor her parents knew what the future would hold. “I just knew,” she said, “that something bad had happened and that it would affect the rest of my life. I expected to be a lot more helpless. For my parents, I think they thought they would have to look after me the rest of my life.” Schär spent six months in the Swiss Paraplegic Center in Nottwil, Europe’s largest facility for rehabilitation and integration of people with spinal cord injuries. With a world-class track adjacent to the center, many of Switzerland’s top wheelchair athletes train there, mixing in with the patients. Schär hadn’t been there long before Heinz Frei, a 15-time Paralympic gold medalist and two-time winner at Boston (1994, 1996), stopped by her room. After a life-changing accident, it was a life-changing visit. She could see how happy he seemed, how normal a life he was leading. She was impressed with how athletic he looked. Something about the youngster intrigued the legendary racer. Soon after she returned to her nearby home, Frei and his training group started swinging by her house, taking her along for an easy short loop and teaching her the ropes, before dropping her back off and carrying on with their day’s workout. In an Abbott World Marathon Majors video titled “I Am Manuela,” her mother, Lisbeth, recalls her daughter’s first race at school in her everyday chair with her brother, Ivo, riding alongside on his bike. “I always thought she had talent,” said her mother. “You could tell from the first ever time she raced, because she was always well ahead of everyone else.” Schär’s first racing chair was cobbled together from spare parts and sported bright yellow wheels. “This little girl was so fast in that chair,” Frei said in a 2018 New York Times story about Swiss wheelchair racing. “We knew she was a diamond.” After her successful start as sprinter— she first competed in the Paralympics in 2004, winning a silver medal at 200
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Not being guided by a speedometer helped me to push that limit of going as fast as possible for as long as possible, because I learned how it felt.
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meters and bronze in the 100, duplicating the latter result in 2008—Schär came home emptyhanded in 2012, and began to reevaluate. If she wanted to continue her career, something needed to change. She approached Claudio Perret, who works in sports medicine at the center, to ask if he would help her find a new coach. Perret offered to give the role a try himself, and the pair decided that 26.2 miles would be the distance of her future. At the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships, she medaled at 400, 800, and 5,000 meters before shocking her competitors by winning gold in the marathon. “So it was, OK, there’s a new woman on the block and this is exciting,” said Michelle Weltmann, elite wheelchair coordinator for the London Marathon. Schär first raced Boston in 2014,
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finishing just off the podium in the second of what would be Tatyana McFadden’s four consecutive victories. In 2016, she was runnerup to McFadden, a spot with which she had become achingly familiar—she would finish second to McFadden for three straight years at both the TCS New York City Marathon and Virgin Money London Marathon (2014–2016) and four times in a row at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (2013–2016). In 2017, Schär won in Boston, with McFadden—trying to recover from blood clots—in fourth, and it proved to be Turning Point No. 1. “Oh my god, that was like a dream come true,” she recalled. “So many years I got second. There’s nothing wrong with losing to Tatyana, but I always thought how it would feel to win a major marathon, and that was the first
time. It was a great moment in my life.” McFadden missed London and Berlin that year; Schär won both races. She returned in time for Chicago and won; Schär finished third, but only two seconds behind. Three weeks later came New York and Turning Point No. 2. You have to learn how to suffer when you race, Schär has said; you have to learn how that feels. In New York 2017, something told her to attack early in the race, so the suffering began sooner than usual. She would surge around the halfway point, and defeat McFadden by almost three minutes, emphatically chopping the tape with her glove as she crossed the finish line. “I’m speechless,” she said after the race. Schär shined in Boston last year, cruising to a 1:34:19 win that saw her margin of victory swell to over seven minutes as she crossed the finish. Schär’s win cemented her status atop the Abbott World Marathon Majors Series XII standings, which she'd ultimately win with ease. To win her next Boston, Schär knows that she has to play to her strength by going out hard and using the early downhills to pull away from the pack—especially McFadden, who is a superior hill climber. “The two years I won, I felt like it was a time trial,” she said, of racing so far by herself. Maybe not quite by herself: “I love to race in Boston. Even in 2018 when it was so cold and rainy, so many people came out to cheer us on. The city really loves the marathon.” Barbara Huebner, a former reporter and editor for The Boston Globe, has been writing about the Boston Marathon for more than 20 years. She is the founder and principal of Starting Line Media, LLC, and can be reached at barbarajhuebner@gmail.com.
The Boston Athletic Association proudly recognizes the B.A.A. Scholastic Mile Class of 2020 and Middle School 1K Honor Roll. Sixty-four middle and high school athletes from the cities and towns along the Boston Marathon route have been named to the lists, which celebrates student-athletes who were selected to represent their hometowns on Boston Marathon weekend. #finishSTRONG
SCHOLASTIC MILE
Schuyler Gooley Olivia Jones Alexander Brown Ian Cann
Kathryn English Sofia Sheppard Michael Celatka Nate Levine
Abigail DeVeau Laura Dubé Sam Burgess Samuel Moffat
Caroline Fleming Genna Girard Matthew George Conor McDonough
MIDDLE SCHOOL 1K
Johanna DuPont Sarah Mirabile Connor Dorfman Benjamin Scott
Adrianna Kourtelidis Nora Quitt Dean Reap Grant Reap
Livia Godoy Caroline Maude Gus Dos Santos Kauan Freitas
Kira Henderson Angelina Wing Steven D’Alessandro Sean Fleming
SCHOLASTIC MILE
Nora Bannon Violet Lahive Zach Barry Jackson O’Toole
Katherine Benninger Lucy Jenks Ian Horsburgh Ethan Jacunski
Charlotte Luster Julianna Watson Seth Jones Colm Mulligan
Annie Jackson Katherine Keating Adnan Abdirahman Joseph Young
MIDDLE SCHOOL 1K
Delaney Dyer Audrey Fitzpatrick Sebastian Culleton Eli Merritt
Nora Joyce Adriana Spinelli Jacob Goodwin Stanley Zheng
Gabrielle McMahon Adair Bluman Hunter Bailey James Dyalchand-Ericson
Arianna Anderson Tanisha Belizaire Lawrence Dotson Garvy Gonzalez-Marcano
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Boston Marathon Champions
Year Champion 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959
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Men’s Open Division
Lawrence Cherono Yuki Kawauchi Geoffrey Kirui Lemi Berhanu Hayle Lelisa Desisa Meb Keflezighi Lelisa Desisa Wesley Korir Geoffrey Mutai Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot Deriba Merga Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot Hailu Negussie Timothy Cherigat Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot Rodgers Rop Lee Bong-Ju Elijah Lagat Joseph Chebet Moses Tanui Lameck Aguta Moses Tanui Cosmas Ndeti Cosmas Ndeti Cosmas Ndeti Ibrahim Hussein Ibrahim Hussein Gelindo Bordin Abebe Mekonnen Ibrahim Hussein Toshihiko Seko Robert de Castella Geoff Smith Geoff Smith Greg A. Meyer Alberto Salazar Toshihiko Seko Bill Rodgers Bill Rodgers Bill Rodgers Jerome Drayton Jack Fultz Bill Rodgers Neil Cusack Jon Anderson Olavi Suomalainen Alvaro Mejia Ron Hill Yoshiaki Unetani Amby Burfoot David C. McKenzie Kenji Kimihara Morio Shigematsu Aurele Vandendriessche Aurele Vandendriessche Eino Oksanen Eino Oksanen Paavo Kotila Eino Oksanen
Age Home
Time
30 Kenya 2:07:57 31 Japan 2:15:58 24 Kenya 2:09:37 21 Ethiopia 2:12:45 25 Ethiopia 2:09:17 38 California 2:08:37 23 Ethiopia 2:10:22 29 Kenya 2:12:40 29 Kenya 2:03:02* 21 Kenya 2:05:52 28 Ethiopia 2:08:42 29 Kenya 2:07:46 28 Kenya 2:14:13 27 Kenya 2:07:14 25 Ethiopia 2:11:45 27 Kenya 2:10:37 24 Kenya 2:10:11 26 Kenya 2:09:02 30 South Korea 2:09:43 33 Kenya 2:09:47 28 Kenya 2:09:52 32 Kenya 2:07:34 25 Kenya 2:10:34 30 Kenya 2:09:15 25 Kenya 2:09:22 24 Kenya 2:07:15 23 Kenya 2:09:33 33 Kenya 2:08:14 32 Kenya 2:11:06 31 Italy 2:08:19 25 Ethiopia 2:09:06 29 Kenya 2:08:43 30 Japan 2:11:50 29 Australia 2:07:51 31 England 2:14:05 30 England 2:10:34 27 Massachusetts 2:09:00 23 Massachusetts 2:08:52 24 Japan 2:09:26 32 Massachusetts 2:12:11 31 Massachusetts 2:09:27 30 Massachusetts 2:10:13 31 Canada 2:14:46 27 Virginia 2:20:19 27 Massachusetts 2:09:55 22 Ireland 2:13:39 23 Oregon 2:16:03 25 Finland 2:15:39 30 Colombia 2:18:45 31 England 2:10:30 24 Japan 2:13:49 21 Connecticut 2:22:17 24 New Zealand 2:15:45 25 Japan 2:17:11 24 Japan 2:16:33 29 Belgium 2:19:59 28 Belgium 2:18:58 30 Finland 2:23:48 29 Finland 2:23:39 32 Finland 2:20:54 27 Finland 2:22:42
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Year Champion
1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920 1919 1918 1917 1916 1915 1914 1913 1912 1911 1910 1909 1908 1907 1906 1905 1904 1903 1902 1901 1900 1899 1898 1897
Age Home
Franjo Mihalic John J. Kelley Antti Viskari Hideo Hamamura Veikko Karvonen Keizo Yamada Doroteo Flores Shigeki Tanaka Ki-Yong Ham Karl Gosta Leandersson Gerard Cote Yun Bok Suh Stylianos Kyriakides John A. Kelley Gerard Cote Gerard Cote Bernard Joseph (Joe) Smith Leslie S. Pawson Gerard Cote Ellison M. Brown Leslie S. Pawson Walter Young Ellison M. Brown John A. Kelley Dave Komonen Leslie S. Pawson Paul de Bruyn James P. Henigan Clarence H. DeMar John C. Miles Clarence H. DeMar Clarence H. DeMar John C. Miles Charles L. (Chuck) Mellor Clarence H. DeMar Clarence H. DeMar Clarence H. DeMar Frank T. Zuna Peter Trivoulidas Carl W. A. Linder Camp Devens Divisional Team William J. (Bill) Kennedy Arthur V. Roth Edouard Fabre James Duffy Fritz Carlson Michael J. Ryan Clarence H. DeMar Fred L. Cameron Henri Renaud Thomas P. Morrissey Thomas Longboat Timothy Ford Frederick Lorz Michael Spring John C. Lorden Sammy A. Mellor John P. Caffery John P. Caffery Lawrence Brignolia Ronald J. MacDonald John J. McDermott
Time
36 Yugoslavia 2:25:54 26 Connecticut 2:20:05 27 Finland 2:14:14 25 Japan 2:18:22 28 Finland 2:20:39 24 Japan 2:18:51 30 Guatemala 2:31:53 19 Japan 2:27:45 19 Korea 2:32:39 31 Sweden 2:31:50 34 Canada 2:31:02 24 Korea 2:25:39 36 Greece 2:29:27 37 Massachusetts 2:30:40 30 Canada 2:31:50 29 Canada 2:28:25 27 Massachusetts 2:26:51 37 Rhode Island 2:30:38 26 Canada 2:28:28 23 Rhode Island 2:28:51 34 Rhode Island 2:35:34 24 Canada 2:33:20 20 Rhode Island 2:33:40 27 Massachusetts 2:32:07 35 Canada 2:32:53 29 Rhode Island 2:31:01 24 Germany 2:33:36 38 Massachusetts 2:46:45 41 Massachusetts 2:34:48 23 Canada 2:33:08 39 Massachusetts 2:37:07 38 Massachusetts 2:40:22 20 Canada 2:25:40 31 Illinois 2:33:00 35 Massachusetts 2:29:40 34 Massachusetts 2:23:47 33 Massachusetts 2:18:10 28 New York 2:18:57 39 Greece 2:29:31 29 Massachusetts 2:29:13 - Massachusetts 2:24:53 35 New York 2:28:37 23 Massachusetts 2:27:16 29 Canada 2:31:41 23 Canada 2:25:01 29 Minnesota 2:25:14 23 New York 2:21:18 22 Massachusetts 2:21:39 23 Canada 2:28:52 19 New Hampshire 2:53:36 19 New York 2:25:43 19 Canada 2:24:24 18 Massachusetts 2:45:45 26 New York 2:38:25 21 New York 2:38:04 28 Massachusetts 2:41:29 23 New York 2:43:12 21 Canada 2:29:23 20 Canada 2:39:44 23 Massachusetts 2:54:38 22 Canada 2:42:00 22 New York 2:55:10
* Course Record
Men's Open Division Champion Lawrence Cherono ➜
photorun.net
Women's Open Division Champion Worknesh Degefa ➜
Women’s Open Division Year Champion 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
Worknesh Degefa Desiree Linden Edna Kiplagat Atsede Baysa Caroline Rotich Buzunesh Deba Rita Jeptoo Sharon Cherop Caroline Kilel Teyba Erkesso Salina Kosgei Dire Tune Lidiya Grigoryeva Rita Jeptoo Catherine Ndereba Catherine Ndereba Svetlana Zakharova Margaret Okayo Catherine Ndereba Catherine Ndereba Fatuma Roba Fatuma Roba Fatuma Roba Uta Pippig Uta Pippig Uta Pippig Olga Markova Olga Markova
* Course Record
Age Home 28 Ethiopia 34 Michigan 37 Kenya 29 Ethiopia 30 Kenya 26 Ethiopia 32 Kenya 28 Kenya 30 Kenya 27 Ethiopia 32 Kenya 22 Ethiopia 33 Russia 25 Kenya 32 Kenya 31 Kenya 32 Russia 25 Kenya 28 Kenya 27 Kenya 25 Ethiopia 24 Ethiopia 23 Ethiopia 30 Germany 29 Germany 28 Germany 24 Russia 23 Ind. States
Time
Year Champion
2:23:31 2:39:54 2:21:52 2:29:19 2:24:55 2:19:59* 2:26:25 2:31:50 2:22:36 2:26:11 2:32:16 2:25:25 2:29:18 2:23:38 2:25:13 2:24:27 2:25:20 2:20:43 2:23:53 2:26:11 2:23:25 2:23:21 2:26:23 2:27:12 2:25:11 2:21:45 2:25:27 2:23:43
1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972
Wanda Panfil Rosa Mota Ingrid Kristiansen Rosa Mota Rosa Mota Ingrid Kristiansen Lisa Larsen-Weidenbach Lorraine Moller Joan Benoit Charlotte Teske Allison Roe Jacqueline Gareau Joan Benoit Gayle S. Barron Michiko (Miki) Gorman Kim Merritt Liane Winter Michiko (Miki) Gorman Jacqueline A. Hansen Nina Kuscsik
PIONEER Era 1971 Sara Mae Berman 1970 Sara Mae Berman 1969 Sara Mae Berman 1968 Roberta (Bobbi) Gibb 1967 Roberta (Bobbi) Gibb 1966 Roberta (Bobbi) Gibb
Age Home
Time
32 Poland 2:24:18 31 Portugal 2:25:24 33 Norway 2:24:33 29 Portugal 2:24:30 28 Portugal 2:25:21 30 Norway 2:24:55 23 Michigan 2:34:06 25 New Zealand 2:29:28 25 Massachusetts 2:22:43 32 Germany 2:29:33 24 New Zealand 2:26:46 27 Canada 2:34:28 21 Maine 2:35:15 30 Georgia 2:44:52 42 California 2:48:33 20 Wisconsin 2:47:10 31 Germany 2:42:24 22 California 2:47:11 24 California 3:05:59 33 New York 3:10:26
35 Massachusetts 3:08:30 34 Massachusetts 3:05:07 33 Massachusetts 3:22:46 25 California 3:30:00 24 California 3:27:17 23 Massachusetts 3:21:40
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Boston Marathon Champions
Year Champion 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
Men’s Wheelchair Division
Daniel Romanchuk Marcel Hug Marcel Hug Marcel Hug Marcel Hug Ernst Van Dyk Hiroyuki Yamamoto Joshua Cassidy Masazumi Soejima Ernst Van Dyk Ernst Van Dyk Ernst Van Dyk Masazumi Soejima Ernst Van Dyk Ernst Van Dyk Ernst Van Dyk Ernst Van Dyk Ernst Van Dyk Ernst Van Dyk Franz Nietlispach Franz Nietlispach Franz Nietlispach Franz Nietlispach
Age Home
20 Illinois 32 Switzerland 31 Switzerland 30 Switzerland 29 Switzerland 41 South Africa 46 Japan 27 Canada 40 Japan 37 South Africa 36 South Africa 35 South Africa 36 Japan 33 South Africa 32 South Africa 31 South Africa 30 South Africa 29 South Africa 28 South Africa 42 Switzerland 41 Switzerland 40 Switzerland 39 Switzerland
Time
Year Champion
1:21:36 1:46:26 1:18:04* 1:24:06 1:29:53 1:20:36 1:24:25 1:18:25 1:18:50 1:26:53 1:33:29 1:26:49 1:29:16 1:25:29 1:24:11 1:18:27 1:28:32 1:23:19 1:25:12 1:33:32 1:21:36 1:21:52 1:28:14
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975
Heinz Frei Franz Nietlispach Heinz Frei Jim Knaub Jim Knaub Jim Knaub Mustapha Badid Philippe Couprie Mustapha Badid Andre Viger Andre Viger George Murray Andre Viger Jim Knaub Jim Knaub Jim Martinson Curt Brinkman Kenneth Archer George Murray Robert Hall No Contestants Robert Hall
Age Home
Time
38 Switzerland 1:30:14 37 Switzerland 1:25:59 36 Switzerland 1:21:23 37 California 1:22:17 36 California 1:26:28 35 California 1:30:44 24 France 1:29:53 26 France 1:36:04 22 France 1:43:19 34 Canada 1:55:42 33 Canada 1:43:25 37 Florida 1:45:34 31 Canada 2:05:20 27 California 1:47:10 26 California 1:51:31 34 Washington 2:00:41 26 Utah 1:55:00 30 Maryland 2:38:59 30 Florida 2:26:57 25 Massachusetts 2:40:18 23 Massachusetts 2:58:00
* Course Record
photorun.net
Men's Wheelchair Division Champion Daniel Romanchuk ➜
42
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photorun.net
Women's Wheelchair Division Champion Manuela Schär ➜
Women’s Wheelchair Division Year Champion
2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
Manuela Schär Tatyana McFadden Manuela Schär Tatyana McFadden Tatyana McFadden Tatyana McFadden Tatyana McFadden Shirley Reilly Wakako Tsuchida Wakako Tsuchida Wakako Tsuchida Wakako Tsuchida Wakako Tsuchida Edith Hunkeler Cheri Blauwet Cheri Blauwet Christina Ripp Edith Hunkeler Louise Sauvage Jean Driscoll Louise Sauvage Louise Sauvage
Age Home
34 Switzerland 28 Maryland 32 Switzerland 26 Maryland 25 Maryland 25 Illinois 23 Illinois 26 Arizona 36 Japan 35 Japan 34 Japan 33 Japan 32 Japan 33 Switzerland 24 California 23 California 22 Illinois 29 Switzerland 27 Australia 33 Illinois 25 Australia 24 Australia
Time
Year Champion
1:34:19 2:04:39 1:28:17* 1:42:16 1:52:54 1:35:06 1:45:24 1:37:36 1:34:06 1:43:32 1:54:37 1:48:32 1:53:30 1:43:42 1:47:45 1:39:53 1:54:47 1:45:57 1:53:54 2:00:52 1:42:23 1:41:19
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977
Louise Sauvage Jean Driscoll Jean Driscoll Jean Driscoll Jean Driscoll Jean Driscoll Jean Driscoll Jean Driscoll Connie Hansen Candace Cable-Brookes Candace Cable-Brookes Candace Cable-Brookes Candace Cable-Brookes Sherry Ramsey Sherry Ramsey Candace Cable-Brookes Candace Cable Sharon Limpert Sheryl Bair Susan Shapiro Sharon Rahn
Age Home
Time
23 Australia 29 Illinois 28 Illinois 27 Illinois 26 Illinois 25 Illinois 24 Illinois 23 Illinois 24 Denmark 33 California 32 California 31 California 30 California 25 Colorado 24 Colorado 27 Nevada 26 Nevada 32 Minnesota California California 21 Illinois
1:54:28 1:52:56 1:40:42 1:34:22 1:34:50 1:36:52 1:42:42 1:43:17 1:50:06 2:10:44 2:19:55 2:09:28 2:05:26 2:56:51 2:27:07 2:12:43 2:38:41 2:49:04 3:27:56 3:52:35 3:48:51
* Course Record 124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 43
5
top
Fastest MARATHON EVER BY AN AMERICAN:
Ryan Hall 2:04:58
(4:46 per mile) 2011
Fastest Times in Boston Marathon History 44
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience
photorun.net • painterly fx: john Goodwin
How long can you keep up with these Boston Marathoners? men's division
1 st
2:03:02
Geoffrey Mutai Kenya, 2011
4:41 minutes per mile pace
2
3
4
2:04:53
Ryan Hall California, 2011
rd
nd
th
2:04:58
Gebre Gebremariam, Ethiopia, 2011
5 2:05:02 Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot
2:03:06
th
Moses Mosop Kenya, 2011
Kenya, 2010
women's division
1
2
st
nd
2:20:35
Mare Dibaba, Ethiopia, 2014
5 th
Fastest American Woman:
2:21:12
Shalane Flanagan 2:22:02
Catherine Ndereba Kenya, 2002
(5:25 per mile) 2014
3 2:20:41 Jemima Jelagat Sumgong, Kenya, 2014 rd
2:19:59
Buzunesh Deba Ethiopia, 2014
4 2:20:43 Margaret Okayo, Kenya, 2002 th
4-time champion
men's wheelchair division
tie 1:18:04
1 st
Marcel Hug, Switzerland
3 rd
th
1:18:27
Ernst van Dyk South Africa, 2004
Ernst van Dyk, South Africa 2017 Sprint Finish & Course Record at 20 mph
4
5 th
1:18:25
Joshua Cassidy Canada, 2012
1:18:50
Masazumi Soejima Japan, 2011
1 st
1:28:17
Manuela Schär Switzerland, 2017
3:22 per mile Defending champion and Abbott World Marathon Majors series champion
1:33:13 2 Amanda McGrory, Illinois, 2017 nd
4 th
1:34:06
Wakako Tsuchida Japan, 2011
3 rd
5 th
1:13:17 Susannah Scaroni, Illinois, 2017 ToKYo 2021 Paralympian
1:34:22
Jean Driscoll Illinois, 1994
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 45
photos: photorun.net / fayfoto / teamusa.org
women's wheelchair division
book excerpt
The Making of a Legend
photo courtesy of Bill Squires
➜ Bill Squires (second from right) as part of the B.A.A.'s record-setting masters mile relay team.
Newly released biography Born to Coach chronicles the journey of Boston Marathon icon Bill Squires
O
n Patriots’ Day 1974, Bill Squires was coaching the Greater Boston Track Club (GBTC) when a young Bill Rodgers, then competing for the B.A.A., finished 14th in the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:19:34. A year later, Squires guided Rodgers to a sensational 2:09:55 win on Marathon Monday, which set both an American and course record. The performance wasn’t a surprise to Squires, who earlier in the day had penned his prediction and stuffed it in the glove compartment of his car, parked outside the famed Eliot Lounge: “First place, 2:11:05.”
By Paul C . C l e r i ci 46
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | Official Program
What changed in those twelve months that helped Rodgers shave nearly ten minutes from his marathon best and transform him into a star in the making? Plenty. Squires was the first coach of the GBTC, a post-collegiate running group based at Boston College that soon dominated everything from relays to road races. A stellar miler and marathoner (with a career-best 20th-place finish in Boston in 1961), Squires’s training techniques and marathon simulator workouts quickly attracted runners who were hungry to succeed
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD AT KINGSLEY LIMITED OPENINGS APPLY NOW! TODDLER–GRADE 6
Located two blocks from the finish line! 26 Exeter Street, Boston
KINGSLEY.ORG 124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 47
book excerpt
Photo by Jeff Johnson
Squires was the first coach of the GBTC, a post-collegiate running group based at Boston College that soon dominated everything from relays to road races.
➜ Bill Squires runs alongside and passes a cup of water to Bill Rodgers during the 1980 Boston Marathon.
at long distances. Joining forces when Rodgers switched clubs to the GBTC, the trajectory of Squires, Rodgers, Boston running and the sport itself accelerated dramatically throughout the running boom of the 1970s and 1980s. A master at solutions, Squires helped Rodgers amplify his training by breaking down the fabled-yet-challenging Boston route and incorporated speedwork. Squires’s techniques— 48
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | Official Program
training on the course and simulating the race— were revolutionary on the roads leading to Boston. “I’m trying to divide the first half of the course, the middle part of the course, and then the end part where he’d gut his way,” noted Squires, reflecting on the pair’s training mentality four decades ago. “With about three weeks [to Boston], I would tailor the workouts. You see, they would
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 49
book excerpt
photo by Paul Clerici
➜ Bill Squires and Bill Rodgers
Bill Squires by the Numbers:
9 27 8
Boston Wins
Top Tens
Top American Finishers
2
Team Titles 50
go into your brain and you’d understand what it is, that that’s the way the race is going to go.” Squires was also one to assess nutrition and guide his athletes in the right direction, an early proponent of the pre-race carbo load. Rodgers, known to eat mayonnaise by the jar and countless cookies, wasn’t exempt from his instructor’s guidance. “I told him there’s a carbohydrate diet, so stick with it. No beer, no mayonnaise crap—jeez, he used to like mayonnaise—no pickle juice. None of that stuff. Just carbohydrates, like pasta,” Squires said. A focused mentality, hardened approach to training and well-fueled engine, Squires believed, could defeat the world’s best. Most often he was right. The Squires method wasn’t just helpful for Rodgers, who celebrates the 40th and 45th anniversaries of his 1980 and 1975 respective victories this year. They were pivotal for Bob Hall (the first Boston Marathon wheelchair champion), Greg Meyer (1983 winner), and both Alberto Salazer and Dick Beardsley, who famously battled in the
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | Official Program
1982 “Duel in the Sun.” Nine Boston titles, 27 top ten finishes, eight top Americans, and two team titles can be credited to the coaching of Squires. No other club, coach, or even country, can compete with those tallies. “Coach Squires is known across the country and certainly is one of—if not the—best marathon coach of all time,” said Rodgers. Under Squires, his career blossomed, earning four wins apiece in Boston and New York City, as well as a bronze medal at the World Cross Country Championships. “Billy helped all of us in GBTC to improve and reach higher levels. Billy inspired all of us and motivated all of us because we could see how much he loved our sport.”
Bestselling author Paul C. Clerici is a runner, race director, historian, journalist, and lecturer. His latest book is the authorized biography Born to Coach: The Story of Bill Squires, The Legendary Coach of the Greatest Generation of American Distance Runners (Meyer and Meyer Sport Publisher), released March 2020. Learn more at paulclerici.com and facebook.com/paul.clerici.12.
Look for Community Rowing on the Charles!
Jen Fitz-Roy CRI Para Rower
We're saving a seat for you! Visit us online or in Boston at the Harry Parker Boathouse
● Youth and Adult Rowing ● Team Building Events ● Para Rowing ● Military Rowing
www.communityrowing.org
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 51
Abbott World Marathon Majors
Celebrating
Six Stars The six races that make up the Abbott World Marathon Majors series are the Boston Marathon, Virgin Money London Marathon, BMW Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, TCS New York City Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon. While 2020 is an unprecedented year for each of the majors, let’s take a look at some Six Star stats.
six star Program • Entering 2020, there have been 6,600 Six Star Finishers. • A Six Star Finisher is a runner who has been deemed an official finisher by each of the six events.
Photo COURTESY OF B.A.A./FAYFOTO
• To claim your stars, create your profile at AbbottWMM.com
T
he Boston Marathon has been part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors since its inception in 2006. The Abbott World Marathon Majors is a series of six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world, with a mission of leading a growing community of marathon runners around the globe. More than 6,600 everyday athletes have become Six Star Finishers, including reigning Boston Marathon and AbbottWMM Series XII wheelchair champions Daniel Romanchuk and Manuela Schär. Continued on page 54 52
124th Boston Marathon vIRTUAL experience | Official Program
WHERE CHAMPIONS RUN
We look forward to the next time we can cheer you across the finish line of a Major, and celebrate with you and thousands of other champions who will be claiming their stars. Create your profile, and join our global community of marathon runners at AbbottWMM.com. #WhereChampionsRun #ReachForTheStars #AbbottWMM
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 53
Abbott World Marathon Majors
six star stats
from the 2019 Boston Marathon
role within the sport
The Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Rankings features more than 170 races around the world, where runners aged 40+ earn points and a chance to compete at the world championships. Visit Abbottwmm.com for more information and join the community!
Ask Us!
If you have a question about the Abbott World Marathon Majors, email info@wmmajors.com 54
124th Boston Marathon vIRTUAL experience | Official Program
Photo by Abbott World Marathon Majors
The AbbottWMM have a zero-tolerance policy on doping and have a long-standing partnership with World Athletics and the Athletics Integrity Unit to lead the industry with the most stringent anti-doping programs.
WE CANNOT RACE TOGETHER,
BUT WE WILL STAY UNITED.
#berlin42united
Are you ready for the world record challenge #20139 on September 26 & 27, 2020? Visit www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com for details.
#berlin42united
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 55
/berlinmarathon
YouTube/berlinmarathon
#20139
I AM A MARATHONER.
Thank you for your miles, for your loyalty and for your spirit. Learn more at chicagomarathon.com
Brigid Kosgei 2:14:04 Fifth World Record set in Chicago
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VIRGIN MONE Y LONDON MAR ATHON SUNDAY 04 OCTOBER 2020 FIND OUT MORE AT V I R G I N M O N E Y L O N D O N M A R AT H O N .C O M
#LondonMarathon
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124th Boston Marathon vIRTUAL experience | Official Program
discover, see & do
Boston's skyline featuring the Tobin and Zakim bridges ➜
Insıder’s Guide The Boston Marathon isn’t the only thing that makes the Hub so unforgettable. From historic landmarks and delicious dining to world-class museums and exciting outdoor attractions, here is a visual tour of some of the things to see and do when you visit Boston. For more Insider’s Guide information, visit Yankee ’s website: NewEngland.com 60
wish you were here virtual tour of
boston & beyond
s h op, din e , e xpe r i e n c e : Fa n eu i l H a l l Ma rke t plac e
Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
124th Boston Marathon VIrtual experience | Official Program
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a complex of buildings that include c. 1742 Faneuil Hall—the site of America’s first town meeting and a popular stop on the Freedom Trail—as well as Quincy Market Food Colonnade, North Market, and South Market. Restaurants, shops, and street performers make it a lively and entertaining scene. faneuilhallmarketplace.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
H istory r e pe at i n g i tse lf: u ss Co n sti t u ti o n m u s eu m
No trip to the Hub is complete without a stroll on the Freedom Trail, the 2.5-mile route that visits 16 historical landmarks between Boston Common and the Bunker Hill Monument. As you walk along the trail, which is marked largely with brick, look for the special plaques in the sidewalk that denote the stops, which include the Old North Church and the U.S.S. Constitution. thefreedomtrail.org
Relive the excitement of maritime life and the American experience The USS Constitution Museum is an award-winning museum that engages all ages in the story of “Old Ironsides” to spark excitement about maritime heritage, naval service, and the American experience. Plan your visit and experience robust digital content at usscm.org and on our social media channels. ussconstitutionmuseum.org 617-426-1812
Tak e a ride: th e p ub l ic ga r d e n swa n b oats
Boston’s 24-acre Public Garden, America’s oldest botanical garden, boasts beautiful formal plantings, the world’s smallest suspension bridge, and its main attraction, the famous Swan Boats. These foot-pedal-powered boats have delighted Boston visitors and locals since 1877. Closed for 2020 but returning in 2021! swanboats.com • 617-522-1966 beco me insp ire d: M use u m o f F in e Arts
One of the most highly regarded museums in the world, the Museum of Fine Arts boasts about half a million objects spanning the centuries, from ancient Egypt to the present day. This is where you’ll find many of the locally rooted treasures that Bostonians hold dear, such as Paul Revere’s “Sons of Liberty” bowl and the paintings of John Singer Sargent. There’s a rich array of online offerings, too, including Monet and Boston: Lasting Impression, the stunning exhibit in honor of the MFA’s 150th anniversary. Check the website for up-to-date information on planning a visit. mfa.org • 617-267-9300 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Newbury Street has something for everyone, making it one of Boston’s most enchanting streets. Its eight blocks are lined with 19th-century brownstones that contain an eclectic mix of high-end boutiques, art galleries, shops, salons, and terrific restaurants, as well as trendy cafés and coffee shops. newburystboston.com 124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 61
Yankee Insider’s Guide to Boston Boston Waterfront and Fort Point Channel, viewed from Fan Pier Park
Fenway Park may be one of the most compact parks in the American League, but good things come in small packages. To fully appreciate this c. 1912 shrine to our national pastime, take a behind-the-scenes tour, where you can listen to tales of Red Sox greats and check out the view from the legendary left-field wall, the “Green Monster.” Check the website for up-to-date information on planning a visit. mlb.com/redsox/ballpark visit: th e birth p lac e o f a m e r ic a n l ib e rty
Relive the events of April 19, 1775 Visit Downtown Lexington, where the first shots of the American Revolution rang out. Tour the Historic Battle Green where the Lexington Militia confronted 800 British soldiers. Stop by one of the original witness houses, or check out our exciting new Visitors Center featuring interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Finally, don’t miss our award-winning tours of the Lexington Battle Green and surrounding area where you will see historical landmarks that defined American identity and culture. tourlexington.us • 781-862-1450 62
124th Boston Marathon VIrtual experience | Official Program
To u r by la nd and wate r: B osto n d u c k to u r s
Boston Duck Tours operates narrated historic tours of the city using replica World War II amphibious DUKW vehicles that can go from navigating downtown streets to cruising on the Charles River. These 80-minute trips visit several of Boston’s most notable landmarks and depart from three convenient locations: the Prudential Center, the Museum of Science, and the New England Aquarium. bostonducktours.com • 617-267-3825 FEEL THE WONDER : Mu s eu m o f sc i en c e
Candy Kennedy
GET IN THE GAME: fenway park
In addition to 700-plus permanent interactive exhibits, the Museum of Science offers thrilling IMAX films, planetarium shows, and special exhibits, including The Science Behind Pixar. Check the website for up-to-date information on planning a visit. mos.org • 617-723-2500 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
EXPLORE: new en gla n d aqua r iu m
With more than 1.3 million visitors a year, the New England Aquarium is one of Boston’s premier attractions and a major public education resource for the region. Its exhibits include a lively colony of more than 60 penguins and a four-story, 200,000-gallon ocean tank that is home to hundreds of Caribbean saltwater fish and animals. Check the website for up-to-date information on planning a visit. neaq.org • 617-973-5200
The Trinity Church and John Hancock Tower:
e at w e ll: B osto n ’ s L i ttl e Ita ly
Settled in the early 1600s, the North End, often called Boston’s “Little Italy,” is the city’s oldest neighborhood. In this one-square-mile waterfront community that’s famous for its Italian heritage, practically everything has something to do with delicious food, be it a coffee shop, café, gelateria, food market, restaurant, or bakery, or the annual schedule of Italian feasts and festivals. northendboston.com d i scov e r: B osto n ’ s To p E x peri en c es
Buildings That Contrast and Reflect Their Times
Visit BostonUSA.com, your official guide to Boston You Missed This Boston: Come visit the Boston you’ve been missing while discovering new experiences that you might have missed. Check out our list of neighborhoods to explore, things to do and attractions open for business, including: Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, sailing cruises, Franklin Park Zoo, outlet shopping, and more! bostonUSA.com • 888-SEE-BOSTON
The Trinity Church of Boston, which was built in 1872, is recognized as one of the 10 most architecturally significant buildings in the United States. More than 100,000 people visit this National Historic Landmark every year to tour, pray, meditate, listen to a speaker or concert, or gather as a community. The John Hancock Tower, built in 1965, is the tallest structure on the Boston skyline. Walk around or near the tower, and you’ll see not only your own reflection but also those of surrounding buildings (including the Trinity Church), other people, and the bustle of life in Copley Square and Boston at large.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
clex piccione
p lay: b osto n c h i l d ren ’ s m u s eu m
Located on Fort Point Channel, Boston Children’s Museum— founded in 1913—is designed to delight kids and families with exhibits focusing on science, culture, environmental awareness, health, and the arts. Highlights of this interactive museum include the John Hancock Science Playground, featuring giant soap-bubblemaking tools and Explore-a-Saurus, where kids can manipulate a full-size model of a dinosaur and rearrange bone puzzles to learn about dinosaur anatomy. Check the website for up-to-date information on planning a visit. bostonchildrensmuseum.org 617-426-6500
124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 63
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124th Boston Marathon VIrtual experience | Official Program
ROAD RUNNERS CLUB OF AMERICA The RRCA champions the development of community-based running clubs and events that serve runners of all ages and abilities in pursuit of health and competition.
Discover what the RRCA offers to support your local running community. Find Your Local Running Club
Find Your Next Race
Find a Running Coach
Start a Kids Running Program
RRCA.org ChChThCCha;;
challenging and nurturing urban youth since 1996 Good luck to all the runners and congratulations to the B.A.A. for another historic race. www.squashbusters.org 124th Boston Marathon virtual experience | SEPTEMBER 7–14, 2020 65
#finishSTRONG Challenge
s i th
! l l Fa
S E C g N n A i T S I S m D H o T E C N E O R ! H M T L E E A R TH GO ar
E N O
nd e l a c ng l i c e ra rtua h l t a g i u t v n r i i s r ’ v ear e es! r v o u c y o c , y s n i e t a h eng t u t s o i g d d ll n i . n a n t g u h o r e l o o a. p NG C rath R a b m a o at O c M n R f l tio by hST a a H rm s i o d f n n n #fi 0K, a more i 1 , or f K d 5 une t y a St
R U N
painterly fx: john Goodwin
where to
(when you're not running Boston) Find your next race
“THE REAL PURPOSE OF RUNNING ISN’T TO WIN A RACE, IT’S TO TEST THE LIMITS OF THE HUMAN HEART.” -BILL BOWERMAN
TIRED OF 2020 RACES BEING CANCELLED?
SIGN UP FOR THE FIRST RACE WEEKEND OF 2021! BERMUDA TRIANGLE CHALLENGE: JANUARY 15th - 17th, 2021
OUR MARATHON COURSE IS A CERTIFIED BOSTON QUALIFIER!
We welcome you to chase paradise during the 2021 Bermuda Triangle Challenge. Bermuda is just a short 2 hour flight from most U.S. East Coast cities and home to the most beautiful beaches in the world. With a close location, safe environment, fewer crowds and outdooronly activities, there’s no better race to start your year off with. January 15th - 17th, 2021. Participate in one, two or, if you’re up for the challenge, all 3 races! 1 MILE | 10K | HALF/FULL MARATHON: FRIDAY, JANUARY 15TH Front Street Mile SATURDAY, JANUARY 16TH 10K Run & Walk SUNDAY, JANUARY 17TH Half/Full Marathon Join us on Sunday after you have completed the challenge for all the post race celebrations on the edge of the water featuring Bermuda’s own home grown Goslings Rum and On de Rock Beer. If you enter the Triangle Challenge, you will receive a complimentary BTC branded jacket, and earn the 4 dazzling, magnetic BTC medals!
USE PROMO CODE BOSTON10 FOR A 10% DISCOUNT OFF ENTRY FEES REGISTER TODAY: www.bermudaraceweekend.com
MARATHON TOURS IS OUR EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL PARTNER
Proud supplier to the Boston MarathonÂŽ for 38 consecutive years
Contact us today to learn more about our 100% Made in USA dimensional steel medallions! Boston MarathonÂŽ and the B.A.A. Unicorn Logo are registered trademarks of the Boston Athletic Association. Used with permission.
3.21.21
Register at lamarathon.com
FINISH WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE Race the Publix Atlanta Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K next spring in Atlanta, the home of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon
Use code BOSTON10 for 10% off your registration
Centennial Olympic Park February 28, 2021
JOIN US RACE WEEKEND MAY 15 & 16, 2021
Boston Qualifier | clevelandmarathon.com
PHILADELPHIA MARATHON WEEKEND NOVEMBER 2021 Marathon runners are you looking to qualify for TOP FIVE BOSTON qualifying races?
? Did you know Philly is ranked in the
Join your fellow runners on one of the nation’s fastest and most beautiful marathon courses while taking in historic sites, scenic views, energizing crowds and a fast pace. Don't miss out! Join an elite group of the world’s fastest runners and qualify for Boston next fall! Marathoners use code: receive off your registration.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! PhiladelphiaMarathon.com
MAY
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SINCE 1972
CANADA’S LARGEST AND MOST SCENIC MARATHON
Top Boston Qualifier • Runners from 65+ countries REGISTER AT VANMARATHON.CA
BQ
FLAT, FAST, & FESTIVE RACE COURSES
2 GREAT CERTIFIED BOSTON QUALIFIERS BostonAd_2021.indd 1 th
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124 Boston Marathon | Official Program
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marathon course records:
From Hopkinton to Fenway, New England is rooting for you. The Boston Red Sox congratulate the 2020 Boston MarathonÂŽ runners on this extraordinary accomplishment.
