Running Through History: The Story of the Boston Marathon

As the days become longer and the temperatures begin to warm, there is a renewed energy in New England. The Boston Marathon is just around the corner which makes for an exciting time in the city, in the Commonwealth, and in the running, wheelchair, and handcycling community around the world.

The Boston Marathon, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious marathons, has a history that spans over a century. Inaugurated on April 19, 1897, this iconic race has evolved from a local event to a global spectacle, leaving an unforgettable mark on the world of long-distance running. The Boston Marathon was also the first major marathon to include a wheelchair division competition when it officially recognized Bob Hall in 1975. This iconic race takes place on Patriots’ Day each April and it's a day that brings everyone together to celebrate the human spirit.

Photo courtesy of the Boston Athletic Association

Here at the State Library we have a collection of books about the Marathon. Recently I explored the stacks and came across a few titles that really stood out to me, and made me excited about this time of year. Browsing through these books, I saw a lot of the big names in the distance running world. I thought it would be interesting to tell part of the Marathon’s story through the lens of a few of these athletes.

Photo courtesy of The Boston Marathon: the incredible, zany story of
America’s greatest foot race and the men and women who have run in it

First up we have Kathrine Switzer. The Boston Marathon witnessed a groundbreaking moment in 1967 when Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to officially run the race. At the time, women were not allowed to participate, but Switzer registered using her initials, K.V. Switzer. Despite her efforts to blend in, race official Jock Semple attempted to forcibly remove her from the course. Switzer's determination prevailed and she completed the marathon, challenging gender norms and paving the way for future generations of female runners. Her courageous act not only marked a pivotal moment for women in sports, but also left a lasting imprint on the Boston Marathon, transforming it into a symbol of inclusivity and breaking barriers.

Photo courtesy of The Boston Marathon:
the incredible, zany story of America’s
 greatest foot race and the men and
women who have run in it

Alberto Salazar, an American long-distance runner, added his  name to the Boston Marathon’s history with a display of dedication and determination. In the 1982 race, Salazar engaged in a race day showdown with fellow runner, Dick Beardsley. The two athletes pushed each other to the limits in one of the closest and most memorable finishes in Boston Marathon history. The grueling race ended with Salazar securing victory by only two seconds, collapsing at the finish line in complete exhaustion. This iconic moment not only highlighted Salazar's perseverance, but also contributed to the marathon's reputation as a stage for remarkable athletic triumph.

More recently, in the midst of the unpredictable New England weather during the 2018 Boston Marathon, Des Linden, an accomplished American distance runner, found herself facing harsh conditions. Battling cold, wind, and rain, Linden showed her resilience. During the race, Linden slowed down to wait for a fellow American runner, Shalane Flanagan, encouraging her and demonstrating the camaraderie that defines the spirit of the Boston Marathon. Despite the challenging weather, Linden powered through, becoming the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon in 33 years. Her triumph not only showcased her determination, but also highlighted the sense of unity and support that defines the running community.

As a runner and someone who has lived in Boston for almost 15 years, this race holds a special place in my heart. I get the privilege of running this race next week and I’m still speechless at the thought of this opportunity. To run on a course that elite runners and recreational runners alike have stepped foot on for 127 years before me, fills me with a feeling you can’t explain. I was so happy to have found our collection of books about the Boston Marathon and wanted to share some of this race’s history with you.

If you have any questions about the history of the Boston Marathon or you’d like to take a closer look at some of the books mentioned here, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by email. 

Works Consulted:

• The Boston Marathon: the incredible, zany story of America’s greatest foot race and the men and women who have run in it by Joe Falls, 1977
• Boston: a century of running by Hal Higdon, 1995
• The Boston Marathon: 100 years of blood, sweat, and cheers by Tom Derderian, 1996
• Boston Marathon : the first century of the world's premier running event by Tom Derderian, 1996
• Choosing to Run: a memoir by Des Linden, 2023
• Boston Athletic Associations’ “History of the Boston Marathon”

Jessica Shrey
Legal Research Reference Librarian