This year
marked the 20th running of the Clarence DeMar Marathon, a 26 mile
385 yard road race. This year's event was held on Sunday, September 28.SEPTEMBER 28, 1997
This year
marked the 20th running of the Clarence DeMar Marathon, a 26 mile
385 yard road race. This year's event was held on Sunday, September 28.
Keene's Netherlands Insurance Companies again sponsored this year's run, which is an official qualifier for the the Boston Marathon. The race, which annually attracts 300 to 400 runners, is well known for its organization and for its attention to the needs of each and every runner. Several years ago, Runner's World magazine named the race one of the top 100 marathons in the world.
Runners participating in past races have represented almost all of the 50 states, along with Canada, England and Australia. The scenic course starts at the Gilsum Town Hall, then winds through Surry, West Keene and Swanzey before returning to Keene and the finish line at Keene State College.
For the ninth straight year, the marathon was preceded by a prerace spaghetti dinner on Saturday night. Cathy O'Brien, New Hampshire's own Olympic marathoner, was the featured speaker at the dinner. This year's official starter was race co-founder Pete Hanrahan, who moved to Missouri last year. Hanrahan named the race, and along with George Bower and Larry Stirling, organized the first DeMar Marathon in 1978.
HISTORY
Clarence DeMar, who lived in the Keene area during the 1930's, was a seven time winner of the Boston Marathon, a record which still stands. DeMar died in 1958, but his late widow attended the Keene race twice, and all four of his surviving children have served as official starters of the local marathon.
For entry blanks and more information about next year's race, please send a self addressed stamped envelope to Clarence DeMar Marathon, PO Box 6257, Keene 03431.
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