On April 19, 1897, John J. McDermott of New York (above) won
the first Boston Marathon with a time of 2:55:10.

The Boston Marathon was the brainchild of Boston Athletic
Association member and inaugural U.S. Olympic team manager
John Graham, who was inspired by the marathon at the first
modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.

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.

Fifteen runners started the race but only 10 made it to the finish
line.

JOHN GRAHAM