September 6, 1907 - 61-time Boston Marathoner Johnny A Kelley is born

Today in Running History

Today is Saturday, September 6th, 2025, and on this day in 1907, Boston Marathon legend John A Kelley was born in Medford, Massachusetts.

In this episode, we’ll hear how as a young man, Kelley made a name for himself as a two-time Boston Marathon champion, and then dive into how his running career evolved over the decades, ending with his 58th Boston Marathon finish at the age of 84.

It is #SaltySaturday, which means that this episode is sponsored by SaltStick. The summer heat is not going anywhere any time soon, which means that we all need to be replenishing electrolytes lost in sweat.

The FastChews from SaltStick are my personal favorite way to get electrolytes in mid-run, and they come in some great flavors, plus caffeinated and uncaffeinated versions, too! Listeners of Today In Running History can save 20% off of your order using⁠⁠ this link⁠⁠.

AND, as I mention in this episode, SaltStick's sister brand Bonk Breaker is discontinuing their energy bars. Until they are gone for good, you can get a box for free with ANY Bonk Breaker purchase (I love the OMG! Chews) by using the code "ONELASTBOX" at checkout here.

This episode and every single other was edited and produced by my good friend Rob Garcia, who many know by his own ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast "Rob on the Run"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you are looking to get into the podcasting or Youtube space, but need some help on the technical side, I HIGHLY suggest reaching out to Rob. His email is [email protected]

And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow me on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Bibliography:

• https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/john-adelbert-kelley
• https://irishboston.org/2025/running-legend-johnny-kelley-finished-the-boston-marathon-58-times/
• https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/johnny-kelley-beloved-icon-boston-marathon/
• https://www.baa.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/BostonMarathonHistoricalResults.pdf
• https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/john-kelley-obituary?id=26922060
• https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/2004/10/12/what-great-run-it/50929138007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z114128e008100v114128b0046xxd004665&gca-ft=155&gca-ds=sophi