Hopkinton to Boston, MA, April 19, 1926
Finland secured second place in the Boston Marathon. Olympic champion Albin Stenroos, who had trained over the winter in Fordham University's indoor facility, ran the route, which turned out to be 39.751 kilometers long (note: shorter than the standard marathon distance at the time), in 2:29:40. This has been estimated to correspond to approximately 2:39:55 on a full-length marathon course.
The race was won by 20-year-old Johnny Miles from Nova Scotia, Canada, running his first race of nearly 40 kilometers. Stenroos, who led early on, got a side stitch after 20 miles and had to slow down. Miles caught the Finn and pushed ahead. Four-time Boston winner Clarence DeMar had to settle for third place.
The Canadian had trained through the winter in his snowy home region. His last test run in the slush had promised good things, and his coach-father had rubbed his hands in satisfaction.
However, Miles could thank his mother for the victory; for weeks before the race, she had ensured her son ate healthily and slept well. Indeed, his mother's instructions were clearly in mind as Miles prepared for the marathon by consuming roast lamb, muffins, and tea two hours before the race.
Film (Periscope Films)
Idrottsbladet, May 4, 1926 (in Swedish)
Johnny Miles Story (Ottawa Sun)
Johnny Miles (Canada Sports Hall of Fame)