With six Americans in the men's top 10 this year, we went on a huntin expedition to figure out when the last time there were more than 6 Americans in the top 10 in Boston. We had to go all the way back to1985 to find more - there were 8 that year.
In looking at the 1985 results, we were amazed at how slow the results were. Can someone tell us why?
The weather was fine - the high was just 69 degrees and winner Geoff Smith went out in a blazing 62:51. He was still able to win despite walking in the 19th mile.
1. Geoff Smith (31, GBR) 2:14:05
2. Gary Tuttle (37, CA) 2:19:11
3. Mark Helgeston (27, OH) 2:21:15
4. Lou Supino (30, CO) 2:21:29
5. Bobby Doyle (36, MA) 2:21:31
6. Toru Mimura (22, JPN) 2:23:35
7. Charles Hewes (29, NH) 2:23:35
8. Daniel Dillon (27, MA) 2:23:50
9. Christopher Fletcher (27, FL) 2:24:29
10. Norman Blair (27, NC) 2:25:23
The women's race was also awful that year - 234 for 1st, 242 for 2nd.
In the pre-prize money era, did sometimes just no one show up??
What is the explanation? Anyone remember?