DISPATCH FROM THE ROLLING STONED SPORTS DESK
Started this life of running by accident. Few weeks later I saw that Nina Kuscsik became the first official women’s winner of the Boston Marathon. Figured if this “shapely” mother, older than me, could do it, then so could I.
First ran the Boston Marathon the next year. 1973. I am that old.
This year’s race, my Golden Anniversary, at the last minute, fifty years later, I decided I had to be there. Now, how to get press credentials? Maybe that sexy Dutch magazine, Mystical Miles. No idea what the words mean, but the art is superlative. Even the paper feels good. Worth a try.
Wrote the editor, Hans Koeleman.
If you are willing, send me something official on MM letterhead, assigning me the 2023 BAA Marathon. I will take a shot at a press pass. If I can add a credential to my guile and notoriety, I’ll be dangerous.
An alacritous response was my reward.
Jack D.,
Good to hear from you.
Hope all well in Florida. I trust you do not have any naked Michelangelo statues in your backyard.
How does this sound for a Boston story: a stream-of-consciousness kind of tale, shreds of images and anecdotes (like overhearing multiple conversations in a crowded bar…), all talking about the magic of Boston..? Throw in a few tales about the early days, your own experiences on the route…, etc.
As I said before, anything written by your hand we’ll put in print.
He may have said it before, but it never gets old. Europe has a history of accepting your weirder American artists before they gain acceptance back home. Like Bukowski and Jerry Lewis. Sha Na Na.
“How does this sound?” Me, in a crowded bar, stream-of-overhearing, shreds of consciousness, on the route of magical anecdotes? I can do that. Gonna be in Dutch anyway.
Missed the application deadline. Not atypical. But I know a guy who knows a guy. Ditto.
“We might be able to get you into the press conference.”
Yeah, but will you be able to get me out?
Welcome to the 127th Boston Marathon Media Credential Application
Before applying, please note that media credential allocations and workspaces within media areas are limited at this year’s Boston Marathon. We will do our best to grant as many media credentials as possible, though are unable to guarantee credentials to those who have received media credentials in the past. All applicants must be working on assignment for a media outlet, and must agree to abide by the B.A.A.’s News & Media Access Guidelines.
For media whose applications are unable to be accepted, or for those planning to cover the event remotely, a media resources webpage will be established where all can access transcripts of interviews, results, splits, and other pertinent race information.
We appreciate your cooperation and hope to see you at April’s 127th Boston Marathon.Chris Lotsbom, B.A.A. Director of Race Communications & Media
Easiest forms I’ve filled out since my third marriage license.
If my second marriage license had come with the following warning, I’d have more money today.
And my house back. With the pool.
MEDIA CREDENTIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
In consideration of accepting any credential, you hereby for yourself, your heirs, executors and
administrators waive and release any and all rights and claims for damage you may have against the
Boston Athletic Association, its employees and vendors, USA Track and Field, the sponsors (including,
but not limited to John Hancock), the volunteers, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or the Cities
and Towns in which the race is contested, their representatives, successors and assigns for any and all
injuries suffered by you with respect to the Boston Marathon.Thank you for submitting your application for accreditation at the 127th Boston Marathon.
You will receive email notification when your application status has been determined; credential pickup location and dates will be included if your application is approved. Please reach out to accreditation@baa.org with any questions.
No word yet from the press office. It’s been almost twenty-four hours. Like so many things, the wait is part of the fun.
Sent Patti (Catalano) Dillon a belated birthday missive. In 1980, Dillon became the first American woman to break 2:30 in the marathon. She is a three-time Boston Marathon runner-up. She was happy to hear from me.
Heeyy. Youu. . Wow! Thank you so much!!! How are you !?
Please come Copley Saturday 3ish to…ish. lol Oak bar Copley Fairmount.
Billy Rodgers Toni Reavis Bobby Hodge Danny Me Ron Wayne Jon Anderson Russ Pate Jackie Hansen Bobbi Gibb. Please come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And you can add Frank Shorter’s name to the roster. Billy already invited me. Bill and I actually “talk” occasionally, mostly about how we wish running’s ethical level was higher.
You would be one of the few Real journalists there! Are you in touch with BAA media guy, Chris Lotsbom? I’ll write him on your behalf. Let me know.
Let me see if I get rejected first, I told Bill. Told Mr. Lotsbom I had references – didn’t tell him who – and I cannily included my renowned report of Bill’s scintillating ’79 run.
Good deal; let me know if Chris responds.
Remember a half century ago, longer even, getting one of those infrequent issues of a slim running magazine, black & white even, and there’d be exciting pictures and motivating stories about these people eating entire loaves of bread while running hundreds of miles and they were beautiful somehow and you would go, oh, my god, how can I do that, can I do that, I wanna do that, I’m gonna try.
And you didn’t even get close. Except for maybe the beautiful part. Ha!
Anyway, I tried so hard, they let me join the club. Like being Sonny and everybody else is Cher. Cousin Greg on ‘Succession.’
Waiting to hear about the press credentials, still six days to go, I looked into this Oak Bar everybody’s talking about.
Nope. My first twenty-five-dollar bacon-cheeseburger will NOT be happening.
No bibb lettuce is that good, aioli or not.
But – wait! – What’s this?
Dear Jack D.,
We are pleased to confirm that you have been granted media credential access for the 127th Boston Marathon, to be run on Monday, April 17, 2023.
You have been approved for the following access: General Media AccessMedia credential pick-up will occur within the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel’s State Suite. Media credentials will be available for pickup from Thursday, April 13 through Sunday, April 16 within the State Suite Media Center during the following hours:
Thursday, April 13: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Friday, April 14: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 15: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 16: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. *Hours subject to change
Additional information will be sent to all media members in the coming weeks, and we look forward to seeing you in Boston.
Sincerely,The Boston Athletic Association
Will they throw me out if I ask about doping and drug testing and why so much damn cheating?!
What if I simply ask why nobody else is asking?
