Category Archives: Marathon

On Not Knowing How to Watch Boston

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Jon Waldron

A few days ago, a friend asked me for suggestions on where to go to watch the Boston Marathon. It was an innocent question, and I wished I had had a simple, straightforward answer. But the question threw me instead … Continue reading →

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Cheaters prosper quite often, actually

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Jon Waldron

(Image: Scatter plot of BAA Marathon finish times by Bib number. Source: marathoninvestigation.com) To say I have mixed feelings about modern Internet sleuthing to find Marathon cheaters is to put it mildly. On the one hand, there’s something absolutely fascinating … Continue reading →

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From the Archives: The Bunion Derby

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Jon Waldron

Illustration:  http://archive.itvs.org/footrace [This is an updated version of a post originally published March 4, 2008] On March 4th, 1928, 88 years ago today, 199 men — including some of the most accomplished runners and walkers of the era — set … Continue reading →

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Amy Cragg Wins, and it’s Complicated

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Jon Waldron

In all likelihood, four years from now at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, someone not named Amy Cragg, Desi Linden, Shalane Flanagan, Kara Goucher, or Janet Bawcom will finish in the top five. But here in 2016, that change … Continue reading →

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The Awesome Uncertainty of the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials

Posted on February 12, 2016 by Jon Waldron

Pete Pfitzinger leading the 1984 Olympic Trials Marathon At 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning in Los Angeles, the United States will select three men and three women to compete in the marathon at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Prestige marathons … Continue reading →

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Is Rupp the Favorite?

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Jon Waldron

“I think he’s the best marathoner in America right now, though he has never even run one.” – Toni Reavis (“Rupp is In!“) What was only a tantalizing possibility has become a reality: Galen Rupp, America’s best 10K runner and … Continue reading →

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The 1983 Bostonfest Marathon

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Jon Waldron

Last Friday, October 30th, was my son Loren’s 29th birthday. He was born just a few minutes before midnight, which meant that he just missed being born on Halloween. It’s true that by arriving on the 30th, he avoided having … Continue reading →

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From the Archives: Those Who Run and Those Who Finish

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Jon Waldron

[Last Sunday was the 30th anniversary of two of the greatest marathons ever run on U.S. soil, both in the same race at Chicago. The first was Steve Jones incredible wire-to-wire victory in 2:07:13. which still stands as the U.K. … Continue reading →

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Almost Famous

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Jon Waldron

“The marathon trials are the average runner’s version of the Olympic Games.” Jill Geer, spokeswoman for USATF.

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Why the Boston Marathon Needs Elite Runners

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Jon Waldron

“When I was growing up, we would walk to Coolidge Corner for every Boston Marathon to join the crowds watching the runners. It’s a tradition that has been shared by thousands of families and visitors in the Boston area for … Continue reading →

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