Johnny Kelley

Johnny Kelley was an American marathon legend, primarily for his exploits in the Boston Marathon. Often called Johnny “The Elder” Kelley to distinguish him from the Olympic marathoner Johnny Kelley of the 1960s, he twice won the Boston race – 1935 and 1945, but he finished second in the event seven times. He continued to appear in the race into his 80s, competing in it 61 times, his last coming in 1992. Kelley also won the AAU Marathon in 1948 and 1950, and won nine other AAU titles at various long-distance races. In 2000, Runner’s World magazine named him “Runner of the Century”.

Personal Best: Mar – 2-28:18 (1940).