BOSTON MARATHON

the Boston Athletic Association

BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION The Boston Athletic Association was established on March 15, 1887 by leading and respected sports enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and politicians of the day. The organization opened a magnificent clubhouse at the corner of Exeter and Blagden Streets, on the present-day site of the new Boston Public Library in Boston's Back Bay. The building featured a gymnasium, bowling alley, billiard hall, turkish baths and tennis courts, and was a fitting complement to the Association's existing shooting range and country club. B.A.A. club members participated in a variety of sports, including those among the era's most popular: boxing, fencing, water polo, and athletics. THE MARATHON The 1896 Olympic marathon distance of 24.8 miles was based on the distance run, according to famous Greek legend, in which the Greek footsoldier Pheidippides was sent from the plains of Marathon to Athens with the news of the astounding victory over a superior Persian army. Exhausted as he approached the leaders of the City of Athens, he staggered and gasped, "Rejoice! We Conquer!" and then collapsed. 1896 OLYMPICS In the 12 track and field events at the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 hosted by Athens, Greece, B.A.A. members earned six gold medals. Greek shepherd Spiridon Loues won the first modern Olympic Marathon. FIRST BOSTON MARATHON After experiencing the spirit and majesty of the Olympic Marathon, B.A.A. member and inaugural US Olympic Team Manager John Graham was inspired to organize and conduct a marathon in the Boston area. With the assistance of Boston businessman Herbert H. Holton, various routes were considered, before a measured distance of 24.5 miles from the Irvington Oval in Boston to Metcalf's Mill in Ashland was eventually selected. John J. McDermott of New York, emerged from a 15-member starting field and captured the first B.A.A. Marathon in 2:55:10, and, in the process, forever secured his name in sports history.

URL: http://www.bostonmarathon.org/

Added at: 7:52 9/14/100

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