John Hanc - The B.A.A. at 125: The Official History of the Boston Athletic Association, 1887-2012

As a former B.A.A. Team Member who has run the Boston Marathon wearing the B.A.A. Unicorn on his chest, and as a long-time racer at the Boston Marathon, its a thrill to read the wonderful history of the B.A.A.!

As I am also a track and field fan, I congratulate the B.A.A. for establishing and managing the B.A.A. Indoor games for decades, and for their current efforts to reach out to the New England public via their new races: the B.A.A. Half Marathon, the B.A.A. 10 km, and the B.A.A. 5 km.

The history of the B.A.A.s 125th anniversary is a terrific story, and I salute the leaders who built the B.A.A.: John Clark and John OReilly, the Brown family of Hopkinton, Will Cloney and Jock Semple and Guy Morse and Gloria Ratti in particular. Marathon running worldwide stands on the shoulders of all those who have loved the Boston Marathon.

Bill Rodgers, four-time Boston Marathon champion;
four-time New York City Marathon champion

Without the Boston Athletic Association, there wouldnt be a marathon in Boston, or perhaps anywhere else. The fascinating and little-known story of the B.A.A.s spectacular rise, its precipitous fall, and its splendid resurgence in the last quarter-century is told in this bookand told well by John Hanc.

Amby Burfoot, 1968 Boston Marathon champion;
editor-at-large for Runners World

The Boston Athletic Association has been part of American society, and the backbone of American marathoning, for 125 years. Like every individual runner, it has struggled, endured, and triumphed over the full distance. John Hanc tells the story of the visionaries, the dedicated backstage workers, and the regular runners who kept this great dream alive to enhance the lives of millions.

Kathrine Switzer, pioneer of womens running movement
with her participation in Boston Marathon;
author, Marathon Woman

Since 1964 Ive been in love with the Boston Marathon. Many of us know the race and its history, but now for the first time John Hanc gives us an in-depth look at the remarkable organization behind the Boston Marathon.

John Hanc has done a superb job of capturing the rich history of one of the oldest and most prestigious marathons in the world.

Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to run in the Boston Marathon;
three-time first female finisher in Boston Marathon
(1966, 1967, 1968); author, Wind in the Fire

While the B.A.A. Marathon has had a special place in my heart since I first moved to Boston in 1978 to train with the great Bill Rodgers, I only knew the history of the B.A.A. in a superficial way. Yes, I knew the story of the B.A.A. in the first Olympics in 1896, and the marathon they founded after being inspired there. I also knew the history of the greats who honored the course: DeMar, Kelley, Billy, and Joanie. I was even lucky enough to have known Jock Semple and Will Cloney. But I didnt know the people who were the B.A.A.

I wish I could have known John Boyle OReilly, a health and fitness prophet 125 years ago. What a fascinating character he must have been. Later, I would have enjoyed watching the B.A.A. Indoor Games in their prime, when the best of track and field came to Boston. It was also interesting to read about the years that challenged the existence of the B.A.A. and gentlemen like Walter Brown who worked to keep it going.

The contrast between the forward thinking OReilly compared to Semple and Cloney, who, while thinking they were protecting the B.A.A., fought the progression of the event into the modern era. As the B.A.A. enters its second 125 years, I believe the marriage arranged by Mayor Flynn between John Hancock and David DAlessandro with the B.A.A. Board of Governors back in 1985 has created a foundation that has allowed the current board and staff to recapture the vision of OReilly and move the organization to even greater accomplishments. In the end, that is what athletics teaches usto push ourselves to be our best. Thanks Mr. OReilly and thank you John Hanc for this wonderful history.

Greg Meyer, Boston Marathon champion in 1983;
most recent American male champion

Boston certainly has many historic events and landmarks to be proud of. From the Boston Tea Party to the Freedom Trail and birthplace of the American Revolution. But certainly The Boston Marathon is recognized as a world class event. The Boston Marathon combines pride, competition, and history. The B.A.A. at 125 reminds the reader of the Boston Marathons unique and wonderful past, but, just as importantly, the glorious journey ahead, from Hopkinton to Boston. Get ready for the race of a lifetime.

Ray Flynn, former Mayor of Boston; Boston Marathon participant

The B.A.A.
at 125

BY
John Hanc

FOREWORD BY
Matt Damon

Copyright 2012 by the Boston Athletic Association and John Hanc

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Hanc, John.

The B.A.A. at 125: the official 125-year history of the Boston Athletic Association / by John Hanc; foreword by Matt Damon.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references.

Summary: Examines the history and key organizers of the Boston Athletic Association and the B.A.A.s influence on the modern Olympic Games, the Boston Marathon, and the

modern fitness movement--Provided by publisher.

ISBN 978-1-61321-198-4 (hardcover : alk. paper)

1. Boston Athletic Association--History. 2. Sports--Massachusetts--Boston--History. 3. Boston Marathon--History.

I. Title. II. Title: The Boston Athletic Association at 125.

GV584.5.B6H35 2012

796.0974461--dc23

2012033392

Printed in China

The B.A.A. Archives boast a collection of several hundred historic medals, plaques, and trophies dating back to 1887: These three are officials badgesworn by race referees and judgesfrom the early 1900s.

T he idea of writing a 125 th anniversary history of the Boston Athletic Association was presented to me by my friend Jack Fleming, the B.A.A.s marketing and communications director. Jack is a well-known and respected figure throughout the world of running. When he speaks, I usually listen. He told me that while several fine histories of the Boston Marathon had been written (many of which I was familiar with), the story of the organization that founded it has never really been told.