Boston Marathon
Click on images to see full-size
Photo by Henry Scannell
Photo by Henry Scannell
Photo by Henry Scannell
Databases
Because the BAA does not yet have a complete database of past participants in the marathon, searching through old newspapers is the best way to find information about the runners. The BPL subscribes to several databases that index old Boston newspapers that would have covered the race.
Image Credit:
2008 Boston Marathon
Henry Scannell
- Boston Globe (1872-1993) via Proquest This link opens in a new window
Searchable full-page and article reproductions back to the first issue on March 4, 1872. Coverage: Morning Edition only.
- Boston Globe (1980-Present) This link opens in a new window
Provides full-text articles for staff-written news items, feature stories, columns, and editorials for the Boston Globe. Coverage: 1980-present
- 19th Century US Newspapers This link opens in a new window
19th Century U.S. Newspapers provides access to primary source newspaper content from the 19th century, featuring full-text content and images from numerous newspapers from a range of urban and rural regions throughout the U.S. The collection encompasses the entire 19th century, with an emphasis on such topics as the American Civil War, African-American culture and history, Western migration and Antebellum-era life, among other subjects.
Books
Boston Marathon Traditions and Lore by ISBN: 9781467155977Publication Date: 2024-03-04First run in 1897 as America's second and the world's fourth, the Boston Marathon attracts thousands thanks to its long and unique history. What began as simple start and finish lines has grown to encompass a lavish colorful artistry. Author Paul C. Clerici explores the history and iconic traditions of America's most famous road race.
Boston Marathon by ISBN: 9781510724280Publication Date: 2017-03-14The book includes interviews and race recaps from Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Meb Keflezighi, Uta Pippig, Alberto Salazar, Frank Shorter, Kara Goucher, Ryan Hall, Desiree Davila, Geoffrey Mutai, Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot among others, and one hundred photographs and results from every year.
Bricklayer Bill by ISBN: 9781625343062Publication Date: 2017-10-13Two weeks after the United States officially entered World War I, Irish American "Bricklayer Bill" Kennedy won the Boston Marathon wearing his stars-and-stripes bandanna, rallying the crowd of patriotic spectators.
The First Ladies of Running by ISBN: 9781609615642Publication Date: 2016-04-05First Ladies of Running tells the inspiring stories of runners who refused to give up despite the cultural and sports barriers they faced. Legends such as Doris Brown, Francie Larrieu, Mary Decker, Jackie Hansen, Miki Gorman, and Grete Waitz are chronicled by Runners' World editor Amby Burfoot. Burfoot even runs the 1994 Marine Corps Marathon with Oprah Winfrey, whose successful finish opened the floodgates for other women runners.
26. 2 Miles to Boston by ISBN: 9780762796359Publication Date: 2014-03-18Follows the Boston Marathon into the 21st century and through the tragedy of the 2013 race.
B. A. A. at 125 by ISBN: 9781613211984Publication Date: 2013-04-01The B.A.A. at 125 highlights the Boston Athletic Association's important role in American sports history.
The Boston Marathon by ISBN: 9780738563503Publication Date: 2009-04-01Captures the colorful spirit of America's greatest race through more than 200 photographs.
Other Resources at the BPL
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The Research Services Department holds many newspapers on microfilm including several local newspapers which would have covered the Marathon over the years. You can see listings of our holdings in the LibGuide linked to below.
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The Print Department maintains a collection of photographs some of which relate to the Boston Marathon. Many of them have been digitized and can be accessed through the BPL’s collection on Digital Commonwealth (link below.)
- Newspapers @ the BPLGuide to newspaper resources at the BPL
- Special CollectionsIncludes Print Department