BOSTON MARATHON 2001

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Well, U.S. Airways lived up to its nickname of "Useless Airways": We sat on the ground for half an hour while the crew struggled to close the door on the plane. Then they decided there was something wrong with it and sent us back into the airport, either to take a bus to Buffalo (to get a plane there, not as punishment) or to wait for an aircraft they could divert from Hartford to Boston. They finally decided on the latter approach and sent us on our way after a long wait. (From the looks of the aircraft I'd guess the wait was so the ground crew could wind up the rubber bands that powered it.) Several local runners were on our flight, including Charlie Andrews, Al Pettee and Mike & Cindy Dunn.

Arrived just in time to check into the hotel, get press credentials, etc.

Trivia question: Who won the second Boston Marathon (1898)?

Answer: Ronald MacDonald...really. (They're probably sick of jokers asking if Mayor McCheese came in second.)

This year they moved the marathon expo to from its traditional location in the Convention Center near Copley Square to a facility half way across town. Nowhere near the finish line, marathon headquarters, etc. You had to take two different subway lines and then hop a shuttle bus to get to the expo. It was such a hassle that most people just made one quick visit and then left, so you were much less likely to meet people you knew there. The only Rochester-area runner I met was Charlie Sabatine.

The expo seemed a little smaller than in previous years, and also a little less crowded since people did't stay as long. There are always famous marathoners appearing to autograph posters and other souvenirs. Dick Beardsley (shown here) was very friendly and outgoing. He said he remembers the '82 "Duel in the Sun" race with Alberto Salazar as if it happened yesterday. I also saw Bill Rodgers, who remembers the freezing headwind at the Runnin' of the Green as if it was yesterday.

Kahlid Khannouchi, Greg Meyer, Frank Shorter and several other noted runners were scheduled to make appearances during the weekend.

The folks from the Chicago Marathon said they aren't worried about Paul Tergat breaking Khannouchi's world record next week in London. We'll see.

There was also a big "graffiti style" board (part of which is shown here) where everyone else could give their autograph to the world.