Running Legend Johnny Kelley Finished the Boston Marathon 58 Times

Twin Johnny Kelley Statues on Heartbreak Hill. Photo credit: Lorianne DiSabato, Flickr

The next time you are exploring greater Boston’s illustrious Irish heritage, make a stop at Heartbreak Hill in Newton to visit twin statues dedicated to Boston Marathon champion and legendary runner, John Adelbert Kelley, who holds the record for running more Boston Marathons than any other athlete. 

Kelley ran his first marathons in 1928 and 1932 but did not finish either race. He ran again in 1933 and then competed in every single race through 1992! He finished in the top 10 eighteen times, taking first place in 1935 and again in 1945. He owns the record for the most races started (61) and the most finished (58). His best time was two hours and thirty minutes, posted in 1943. He was 84 when he ran his last race in 1992, posting a time of Five hours and fifty-eight minutes.

Born in 1907 in West Medford, outside of Boston, Kelley traces his ancestry to County Wexford. “My father’s people left to go to Australia,” he told The Boston Globe in 1981, when he was preparing for his 50th race. “The boat stopped in Boston and they never left.”

Johnny was christened Johnny “The Elder” Kelley, when John J. Kelley (no relation) emerged as a champion in the 1950s, winning the race in 1957.

Photo Credit: BAA

In 1993 the Boston Athletic Association erected a statue honoring Johnny Kelley on Heartbreak Hill in Newton. The twin statues depict Kelley in 1935 and again in 1993, holding hands as they cross the proverbial finish line.

Johnny Kelley in front of his Memorial at Heartbreak Hill  Photo credit: Bill Brett

This year, the Johnny Kelley statues are being added to Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail, as the trail celebrates its 30th anniversary chronicling the Irish experience in Massachusetts dating back to the 17th century. For more on Boston Irish history and heritage, visit IrishHeritageTrail.com or visit irishboston.org.

Research + Text, Michael Quinlin