The Native marathoner who conquered Boston

He broke records and inspired the name Heartbreak Hill in one of the world's most famous marathons. Now, more than 50 years after his death, travellers can learn about his legacy. On 20 April 1936, Ellison Brown was running up a steep hill on Commonwealth Avenue. It was mile 20 of the Boston Marathon, and he was entering a critical stretch of the race. As he climbed the calf-aching 3.5% incline, there was an unexpected pat on his back. A second later, the previous year's winner, renowned runner Johnny Kelley, trotted past him. The message was clear: "Nice try, pal". But all of a sudden, Brown surged forward. He sprinted up the half-mile hill and began a neck-and-neck battle with Kelley. The 500,000 spectators lining the course were stunned as they watched Brown cross the finish line first. Few watching had ever seen the fleet-footed 22-year-old, but soon his nickname would grace the front pages of newspapers across the country: "Tarzan" Brown. Brown's victory was one of the biggest upsets in Boston Marathon history, and today, Kelley's unexpected loss is the reason why this fateful stretch of Commonwealth Avenue is still known as "Heartbreak Hill". Not only was Brown virtually unkn

Apr 20, 2026 → Apr 20, 2026