Boston Marathon Traditions and Lore

Community Meeting Room, Main Library, 40 Washington Street, Quincy, MA, 02169

Join bestselling author Paul Clerici as he shares stories about the iconic Boston Marathon. He has written extensively on the race in the “Boston Marathon History by the Mile,” “Images of Modern America: The Boston Marathon,” and newly released “Boston Marathon Traditions and Lore” books.

He will describe and illustrate such traditions as the connection between the Greek god Zeus, the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, and the gold-dipped olive-branch wreaths each champion receives; the growth of the start and finish lines from its simple origins as a single line to its lavish colorful artistry; the unique athlete and culture exchange program with the Ohme-Hochi 30K in Japan that began with four-time Boston Marathon winner Bill Rodgers in the 1970s; statues and monuments along the course, including one of runner-sculptor Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to finish the Boston Marathon and who created the life-size statue herself; the ever-changing beauty of the finisher medal; the evolution of media coverage; the athlete villages, one of which began in 1996 to accommodate its largest field of 38,000 for its centennial; and much more.

His storytelling is supplemented with a multimedia presentation of images from his books, which include some from rare collections and some never seen before! Books will be available to purchase and can be signed by the author. Visit Paul's website or Facebook for more information. 

Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Library.

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