1957 Boston Marathon winner John J. Kelley died this morning in CT. Kelley was too quiet, humble, individualistic to ever toot his own horn, or be well known by today's runners. But he was clearly the first modern American distance runner, as well as a 2x U.S. Olympic marathoner and 8-years-in-a-row national marathon champ.
He was also my coach, mentor, and all-areas inspiration, so I feel a certain responsibility to share his story now.
I've written a long obit-essay at link below. Some of you will be interested.