In 1975, two athletes set out to make history at the Boston Marathon. On foot was Bill Rodgers, who would go on to earn the title “Boston Billy” by winning the marathon that year and contributing to a nationwide running phenomenon. Alongside him, Bob Hall pursued the race in a way that set a different kind of precedent – from a wheelchair. Rodgers attempted to take a spin in Hall’s chair but found it immovable, highlighting the tenacity and spirit Hall possessed. “But he had the eye of the tiger, Bob did,” Rodgers noted.
Fifty years have passed since this iconic moment, and the evolution of wheelchair racing at the Boston Marathon is nothing short of remarkable. Today, high-tech racing chairs whiz through the course with fields that are more competitive and expansive than ever before. Hall’s groundbreaking participation paved the way for others, transforming the push-rim wheelchair division into a cornerstone of the marathon. On Monday morning, this group will be the first to start, providing them with clear pathways before the throng of runners descend on Boston.
Tatyana McFadden, a notable figure in wheelchair sports with five Boston wins and eight Paralympic golds, expressed deep gratitude for Hall, saying, “I’m so thankful for him. And I think we all are, as wheelchair racers, because he really paved the way.” In 1970, Eugene Roberts, a Vietnam veteran who lost his legs in the war, completed the course in a wheelchair in just over six hours. Inspired by this, Hall convinced race director Will Cloney to let him race in 1975, promising a completion time of under three hours. Hall fulfilled this promise, finishing in 2 hours and 58 minutes, earning a certificate identical to those given to runners.
The drive for inclusion extended beyond his personal goals. As Hall takes on the role of grand marshal this year alongside Rodgers for the golden anniversary of their historic run, he reflects, “I didn’t care if anybody got on my coattails. It was that I was bringing people along.” By 1977, Hall led a cohort of athletes, heralding a new era of competition with the National Wheelchair Championships. On Monday, over 40 elite wheelchair athletes will lead a massive contingent of 30,000 runners, with the fastest among them expected to finish in just over an hour.
McFadden credits Hall for the opportunities available today, remarking, “Because of him crossing that finish line, we’re able to race today. And it’s evolved so much since then.” His bravery to challenge norms remains inspirational, prompting advancements in the sport. McFadden’s first racing chair was a youth model designed by Hall, exemplifying his enduring impact. Daniel Romanchuk and Marcel Hug, both successful marathoners, also launched their careers in Hall’s designs.
Prizes for wheelchair racers have evolved alongside the sport. Monday’s champions will receive $50,000 from a total prize pool over $250,000, with bonuses for record-breaking times matching those of the running divisions. The event also features para divisions, with a separate $91,000 purse for various categories of athletes.
Cheri Blauwet, a gold medalist and two-time Boston winner, now chairs the Boston Athletic Association Board, advocating for equal recognition of elite athletes across all abilities. “It’s not just a nice thing to do; it’s essential for equitable sports opportunities,” she asserts, recapping the marathon’s mission to promote health through sport.
Reflecting on the enduring legacy of Bob Hall, Blauwet states, “We’ve essentially maintained that philosophy for the subsequent decades. We like to be competitive even in our progress towards inclusion.” Hall’s pioneering efforts have left an indelible mark on the Boston Marathon and continue to cast a long shadow, as the event presses forward with a commitment to inclusivity and excellence in sport.