The self-explorer, whether he wants to or not, becomes the explorer of everything else. – Elias Canetti
“We need to do more to recognize the important individuals, the humble individuals, the champions and the challengers, ” Bob Hodge pleaded last year. And now they have. Of course, the Golden Anniversary of this trail-blazing duo makes this selection a complete no-brainer.
(That is by no means any reference to last year’s Grand Marshal, All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski.)
The Boston Athletic Association is pleased to announce that Bob Hall and Bill Rodgers will be the Grand Marshals for the 129th running of the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America.
On Monday, April 21, 1975, Bob Hall and Bill Rodgers lined the start of the Boston Marathon. Bob Hall became the first officially recognized participant to complete the course in a wheelchair and Bill Rodgers collected his first of four titles. Hall was granted permission to enter the race provided that he covered the distance in under three hours. Hall finished in 2:58:00, signaling the start of the wheelchair division in the race.
These two athletes are now returning 50 years later to ceremonially guide the field of participants along the course. Congratulations, Bob Hall and Bill Rodgers.
Gronkowski may have been a great tight end for the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Bob changed wheelchair design and Bill caused manufacturers to reevaluate shoelace tensile qualities.
Fifty years ago, Bill covered the traditional Boston Marathon course in a record 2:09:55.
With a few brief stops along the way to tighten the shoes he had just received from The Legendary Steve Prefontaine.
There was a press conference.
“Bob changed everything. This is the guy who changed everything. For our country and globally — because it’s a global sport we’re talking,” Rodgers said of Hall.
“People like Bill, other runners, helping to perpetuate the growth of inclusion of people with disabilities, particularly in a marathon where it’s very obviously successful,” Hall said of Rodgers.
Much hugging ensued.
Hall is also being honored this year with the Rick and Dick Hoyt Award.
Bill is honored to be honored.
We know the BAA has tried to widen understanding of the Boston Marathon by celebrating well known athletes from other sports. I understand their thoughts. But I still think, while we have some of these champions with us, recognize those who grew the sport itself.
You know Bob and I are going to have fun this year. We’re going to do the whole time warp machine experience.
Bob shared this:
Being a Co-Grand Marshal with Bill Rodgers at this year’s BAA Marathon is such a humbling but excitingly wild experience. Serious WOW factor. It’s the only way that I could ever keep up with Bill. (I’m just glad the ‘Sag Wagon’ is not an ambulance! Maybe it will be waiting somewhere in plain sight.) Coming down on Boylston street to the finish will rain on us fifty years of joy and thrills and happiness. We did it with pride.
One more comment, if time allows. It’s like this. Bill has told me that I have to go slow. But, he does not realize that it hurts my motor to go slow. By the time I get home, my supper will be cold.
Maybe Bill could stop to tighten his shoes.
Those Boston ’73s Pre sent Boston Billy may have been hard to fill, but he did grow into them, I think we can all agree.
Congratulations to the both of you.
And to the BAA for making so wise a choice.
Kudos all around.
