Indianz.Com > News > Brian Lightfoot Brown: The Narragansett legend of the Boston Marathon
Boston Marathon’s Native Imprint
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
As another Patriot’s Day goes by in Massachusetts and the iconic Boston Marathon 2021 edition is postponed due to COVID-19, it gives everyone an opportunity to reflect on the incredible history of this legendary race. In 125 years of this world renowned marathon, one of the most famous features of this internationally revered event earned its nickname.
It was 85 years ago today, on April 20, 1936, when Boston Globe writer Jerry Nason gave us the name of “Heartbreak Hill.” On that day, the winner of the previous year’s race, the great Johnny Kelley, managed to catch up to Ellison “Tarzan” Brown, the young Narragansett Indian from Rhode Island who had appeared to be tiring. Kelley assumed this as well and even patted “Tarzan” on the back. The pat on the back seemed to startle Brown from his trance-like state.
Kelley had caught up to Brown just as the Newton hills were coming up at the tail end of the Boston course. Kelley made a comment to “Tarzan” basically telling him he gave it a good try but to step aside and let the big boys take over. Brown’s competitive fire had been sparked once again. The two men took turns grabbing the lead from one another until Brown took the lead for good on the last hill. Kelley faded to a 5th place finish while the young Native American ran his way to what would be the first of two Boston Marathon victories.
Brian Lightfoot Brown studied U.S. History at the University of Rhode Island, is an enrolled citizen of the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island and a grand nephew of 2-time Boston Marathon winner and 1936 U.S. Olympian Ellison “Tarzan” Brown.
Note: Content © Brian Lightfoot Brown
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