Runner of the Century – December 1999

  Runner’s World magazine has named John A. Kelley as its Runner of the Century.

  According to the editorial staff of Runner’s World, “John A. Kelley has finished 58 Boston Marathons – including two victories and seven second-place finishes – by far, in our opinion, the greatest running achievement of the century.”

  “The years and times alone can’t give full measure to his legacy,” says editor Amby Burfoot.  “His energy, persistence and excellence have inspired untold millions of runners worldwide.”

  Kelley first participated in the Boston Marathon in 1928 at the age of 20.  He did not finish.  After gaining an understanding of what it would take to win the world’s most historic and prestigious road race, he claimed the title in 1925 and ten years later in 1945.  He last completed the Boston Marathon in 1992 at the age of 84.  The world’s most famous running landmark, Heartbreak Hill, was coined with Johnny Kelley in mind, and in recognition of his achievements, “Young at Heart,” a sculpture depicting Kelley’s indomitable spirit, was dedicated at its base in 1993.

  Since the 1995 Boston Marathon, and upon his retirement from competitive road running, Kelley has served as Grand Marshal of the Boston Marathon, preceding the race in a pace car.  The event, which he peronifies and with which he has some to be most identified, missed Kelley in 1999 due to illness.  But on Monday, April 17 at Boston Marathon 2000, the 92-year old legend will resume his duties as Grand Marshal at the first race of the new millennium.

  “Johnny has become a symbol for road racing in America,” said Guy Morse, Race Director of the Boston Marathon.  “As the experts of the sport, the honor that Runner’s World has bestowed upon Johnny by naming him Runner of the Century is both an appropriate tribute to his contributions and a source of pride for anyone who has ever completed a marathon.  He is truly a national treasure.”