“The Great Hyannis” Johnny Kelley Road Race is an annual tribute to Cape Cod’s Marathon Man, Johnny Kelley. A legendary hero of the Boston Marathon, Johnny Kelley ran his entire life. He was born in West Medford, MA as one of ten children. His first race was a 100-yard dash in a Boston park at the age of 11 for the vaunted prize of a piece of candy. He lost to his brother Jim. In high school, he ran both track and cross-country.
His first attempt at the Boston Marathon was in 1928. He went on to run the Boston Marathon a record 61 times up until the age of 84. In that time, he won twice and finished in second place seven times. In 1936, his drop from front-runner to fifth-place finisher inspired the nickname “Heartbreak Hill” for the final leg of the race.
He made the US Olympic marathon team three times. His prolific running career resulted in him being named “Runner of the Century” by Runner’s World magazine in 2000. At the age of 70, he was still running 50 miles a week and around 15 races each year.
He moved to Cape Cod in 1972. When he passed away at the age of 97, he was laid to rest in East Dennis, MA. The Cape Cod Johnny Kelley races are a tribute to Massachusetts’ Marathon Man. Johnny was a Cape Cod resident and loved Cape Cod.
This race weekend in Hyannis will celebrate the accomplishments of a great athlete, and the tenacity of a stubborn Irishman. The weekend and the activities will also celebrate both the sport and the region he loved. Come join us and celebrate!
The salt air of Cape Cod will mix with an air of greatness as legends of Boston, and the sport Johnny Kelley loved, chat, sign autographs, and run with the field. Johnny Kelley spent the final decades of his long life running the roads and parks of nearby Dennis, Massachusetts, and he just loved the atmosphere of the Cape. It is special to many. And if you go there for this celebration, it will also be memorable to you. There is no place quite like Cape Cod, a natural show with Hyannis at the center. And speaking of shows, you can also take in a professional performance at the nearby famous Melody Tent—perhaps on Thursday evening to begin your weekend.
Races
The main event courses are fantastic. Runners of both races will enjoy the essence of Cape Cod all along the course, and beautiful they are. Both events will be touring scenic villages and beautiful beaches that have that quintessential Cape Cod and New England flavor. Racers will run by Hyannis Harbor and the docks, and Kalmus Beach (one of the best wind surfing beaches on the east coast—year round). Keys Beach and a running tour near the Kennedy compound will also be part of the course, along with memorable scenic vistas of the rolling Atlantic beyond.
These races will be inclusive, with many age and weight divisions.
Following the racing on Sunday, there will be a terrific post race party, supported and sponsored by Michelob Ultra Light, Knife and Son’s Distributors of Kingston and the Four Points and Sheraton Hyannis Resort Hotel. The post race party will feature excellent live music to complete a fabulous weekend. Wonderful accommodations are available, but, like the race itself, you have to book early.
Hyannis and Old Cape Cod
Hyannis is a gorgeous town, with equally incredible surroundings. The John F. Kennedy Memorial with its stone wall bearing the presidential seal, the pool and fountain, sit on Ocean Street. In addition to Kalmus Beach, Keys Beach, and Veterans Beach, Craigville Beach is the largest on the Cape. The aforementioned Melody Tent offers concerts and comedy, theater and dance with theater-in-the-round format, and show plays nightly. There are harbor tours, whale watching tours, the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, and much more. And in every direction your running takes you while there—fun, training, and competition—they will be will be sublime, enjoyable miles.
Enjoyable Combination
What a terrific series of events planned for you, and what a striking location to hold them. There is no other combination of running and relaxing enjoyment like this in New England. And you will definitely meet some legends while there. Take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate the sport, and celebrate the life and career of a great athlete.
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