For December 2002

"When Khalid Khannouchi first set the marathon world record in 1999, whose record did he break?"

When Khalid Khannouchi ran 2: 05' 42" on October 24, 1999 in Chicago he shattered the record held by Ronaldo da Costa of Brazil. Ronaldo had run 2: 06' 05" on September 20, 1998 in the Berlin Marathon.

60 people got this one right and Glenn Maziar had his name drawn as the winner. Glenn receives an autographed Khalid Khannouchi poster for his effort and luck!

For November 2002

"In what year was the last time Americans won BOTH the men's and woman's races in the NYC Marathon?"

27 entrants knew that it has been 25 years since Americans won both the mens' and womens' races in the NYC Marathon. In 1977 Bill Rodgers and Miki Gorman were the winners.

Our winner this month is Jose Fuentes of Boise, Idaho. Jose receives a promo card autographed by German Silva...Congratulations!

For October 2002

"What was the company Nike called before it was named Nike?"

The original name of Nike was Blue Ribbon Sports.

40 entrants had that answer this month and Judith Rachmani of Ramat-Gan, Israel was selected as this month's winner. Judith receives an autographed Lornah Kiplagat promo card for her trivia acumen. Congratulations!

For September 2002

"How many times has a Canadian been the men's open division Boston Marathon Champion?"

Canadian athletes have enjoyed great success in the Boston Marathon, winning the mens' open division 16 times! The Canadian record:

33 entrants got this one right and Monte Wells of Amarillo, Texas had his name drawn as this month's winner. This month Monte will receive an autographed Frank Shorter 30th Anniversary Falmouth Road Race card.

For August 2002

"Which countrywoman of Derartu Tulu has won Olympic gold in a distance event?"

40 people knew that Derartu Tulu is from Ethiopia, and Fatuma Roba also represented Ethiopia when she won the 1996 Olympic gold medal in the marathon.

Congratulations go to John Clark of Chelsea, Maine as this month's winner. John receives a card signed by double Olympic Gold medalist Derartu Tulu.

For July 2002

The record stood for 10 years and was held by Lynn Jennings...

"What US record did Deena Drossin recently break?"

The answer is the 10,000 meter record. Deena ran 30:50.32 this past May to break Lynn Jennings record by 29 second seconds.

52 entrants had this one correct and Karl O'Leary of Oneonta, NY is this month's winner. Karl receives a Deena Drossin autographed card for his effort.

For June 2002

"What are the names of all the Olympic Games where Mamo Wolde competed?"

22 fans knew that Mamo Wolde's incredible Olympic career spanned 16 years and 4 Olympic Games. He competed at Melbourne 1956, Tokyo 1964, Mexico City 1968, and Munich 1972. He won gold in the marathon in Mexico in '68.

Mike Mitchell of Cincinnati, Ohio had the luck of the draw and won a Frank Shorter autographed card as this month's winner. Congratulations Mike!

For May 2002

"Who stopped competing for six years during his prime, yet is one of the greatest marathoners in history?"

Only 13 entrants had this answer....Clarence DeMar, the 1911 Boston Marathon Champion, stopped competing for six years due to his doctor's advice. The doctor discovered DeMar had a heart murmur and recommended he stopped running. He returned to competition in 1917 and would win Boston six more times.

Bill Knipmeyer of Centennial, Colorado was selected as this month's winner and he receives a promo card signed by former 5K World Record holder David Moorcroft.

For April 2002

We ran a special contest for April...

"Who will win the men's race at the 2002 Boston Marathon?"

Our trivia contest entrants knew the answer!

Rodgers Rop received the most votes as the favorite to win in our Boston Marathon Edition Trivia Contest.

All five entrants who selected Rodgers Rop received an autographed copy of Bobbi Gibb's book "To Boston With Love".
The winners are:

Dan Giblin of Rochester, NY
Sherry Watts of London, Ontario
Michael Knox of Terrytown, LA
Brian Schafer of Allentown, PA
Glenn Reigelman of O'fallon, IL

Congratulations to all!

For March 2002

"Who is known as the father of American ultra-distance running?"

32 entrants correctly named Ted Corbitt as the driving force and founding father of American ultra-distance running. David Gentry is this month's winner. Dave receives a card autographed by the palindromic Anuta Catuna.

For February 2002

Who wrote the following?

"Having been speed trained on the track at Georgetown, the 5:20 pace I set out on was very easy to maintain and I was confident the heat would get those who went out hard.

I don't love the heat but I respect rather than fear it. As such it doesn't effect me anymore than it should.

I took the lead at 18 miles and never saw anyone after that. The photographers on the press truck were guessing my name because my number washed off..."

28 sharp-eyed entrants recognized Georgetown graduate Jack Fultz as the writer of the above account of the 1976 Boston Marathon.

Angie Pontanini of South Elgin, Illinios had her name drawn as this month's winner. Angie wins an autographed Bill Toomey card for her effort.

For January 2002

"Which country has set the most world records for the men's marathon?"

The answer is Great Britain which had it's native sons set the men's marathon world record 8 times:

2:42:31	Henry Barrett	May 26, 1909
2:38:17	Harry Green	May 12, 1913
2:20:43	Jim Peters	June 14, 1952
2:18:41	Jim Peters	June 13, 1953
2:18:35	Jim Peters	October 4, 1953
2:17:40	Jim Peters	June 26, 1954
2:13:55	Basil Heatley	June 13, 1964
2:08:05	Steve Jones	October 21, 1984

The US was second with 6 world records. 27 entrants answered correctly and Robert Zaiger of New York City was selected as this month's winner.

Robert receives a card signed by triple Olympic Gold Medalist Peter Snell.

For December 2001

"Who was the first person to ever run faster than 2 hours and 20 minutes for the marathon?"

Jim Peters ran 2:18:40.2 on June 13, 1953 to be the first ever under 2:20.

29 people answered correctly but Frank Dooley of Beachwood, New Jersey was selected as this month's winner, and he receives a promo card signed by former marathon world record holder Steve Jones. Congratulations Frank!

For November 2001

"Who won the Boston Marathon while publicizing the plight of his starving nation?"

In 1946 Stylianos Kyriakides of Greece won the Boston Marathon and raised money for his country, decimated during WWII.

44 entrants got this one right and Chris Ronan of Lenexa, Kansas had his name drawn as this month's winner.

Chris receives an autographed Billy Mills card for his expertise.

For October 2001

Men In Black...

An island about the size of the State of Colorado produced three great milers during the 20th century...

"Who are the three world record setting milers to come from the same island nation in the Pacific?"

Wearing the famous all black racing kit of New Zealand, Jack Lovelock, Peter Snell and John Walker all ran to world records in the mile.

31 people answered correctly and Ben Susser of Livingston, New Jersey was selected as this month's winner. Ben receives a card autographed by the great hurdler, Harrison Dillard.

For September 2001

"What world class road race was founded by bartender Tommy Leonard, inspired by Frank Shorter's Olympic Marathon victory?"

As Frank Shorter entered Munich Olympic Stadium 29 years ago this month, Tommy Leonard, a bartender working in Cape Cod, watched the race on tv in a bar. He was so inspired by Frank winning the gold medal in the marathon he founded the Falmouth 7.1 mile road race the following summer, in 1973.

32 surfing souls got this question correct, and the winner was Kevin Lavelle of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Kevin receives an autographed Frank Shorter card this month!

For August 2001

"What is the name of the woman who was prevented from crossing the finish line by male runners in the 1967 Boston Marathon?"

Many people assumed that the answer must be Kathrine Switzer because of the famous photo of her being assaulted by race director Jock Semple in that race...But no, lost in the media blitz around K. Switzer was the FIRST woman to finish the race that year, Bobbi Gibb. She was blocked from crossing the finish line by male runners who actually linked arms to stop her!

31 enlightened entrants (many requiring two guesses) answered correctly this month.

Adam Wohl of Sandusky, Ohio was selected as this month's winner. Adam receives a promo card signed by Irish Olympian Sonia O'Sullivan. Congratulations!

For July 2001

Who are the well known marathoners with the following nicknames?

Deek
Buddy
Tarzan
The Rookie
The Beast

This month's question seems to have been more challenging than we thought. Only 16 entrants answering correctly, and we only asked for four of the five names!

Deek - Robert de Castella

Buddy - Leonard G. Edelen

Tarzan - Ellison Myers Brown

The Rookie - Alberto Salazar

The Beast - Emil Zatopek

Congratulations to Jay Johnson of Boulder, Colorado for being selected as this months' winner. Jay will receive a promo card signed by Rod DeHaven.

For June 2001

"In what year was the current men's American Mile Record set? "

28 entrants found this one easy to answer...Steve Scott set the current American Mile Record by running 3:47:69 in Oslo, Norway on July 7, 1982.

Oliver Richards of Chicago, Illinois had his name drawn as this month's winner.

For May 2001

"He appeared on the Olympic scene at age 24. Over the next ten years he would set the world record for every distance from 1500m to 20K. He would end his career with 12 Olympic medals...What is his name?"

It could only be "The Phantom Finn", Paavo Nurmi. Nurmi won 9 gold and 3 silver Olympic medals during his career.

24 contestants answered correctly, and Keenan Robbins of Mankato, Minnesota had his name drawn as this month's winner. Keenan receives a foldout promo card signed by two-time Olympian Mark Croghan!

For April 2001

"Who has the most career victories at the Boston Marathon?"

Many people gave the name Clarence H. DeMar as the answer to this question...An excellent guess as Clarence has won the Boston Marathon 7 times. But the person with the most career victories is Jean Driscoll, she has won the women's wheelchair race in Boston 8 times, her final victory coming in the 2000 edition of the the race.

25 people had the correct answer.. Congratulations go to Frank Thomason from Alexandria, Virginia. who was selected as our April winner. Frank wins an Moses Tanui autograph for his display of trivia knowledge!

For March 2001

"What is the nickname of Madeline Manning Mims' college track team?"

26 whiz kids correctly answered the Tennesee State Tigerbelles.

This month we are selecting two winners. Harold Or of Singapore and Tony Lippert of Havana, Illinois both receive an autographed card signed by Olympian Madeline Manning Mims. Congratulations to Harold and Tony!

For February 2001

"Who was the world record holding hurdler that gave up his Olympic eligibility to play professional football?

34 entrants knew that Renaldo "Skeets" Nehemiah joined the San Francisco 49ers as a wide receiver instead of going for the gold in the 1984 Olympics. That cleared the way for Roger Kingdom to win the 110m hurdles in LA that year.

Greg Carroll of Cazenovia, NY had his name drawn as this month's winner and he receives an autographed Roger Kingdom card for clearing that hurdle!

For January 2001

"How old was Bob Mathias when he won the Olympic gold medal in the Decathlon in 1948?

49 entrants accepted the challenge and answered correctly...Bob Mathias was 17 years old when he won in 1948, after having only three months experience in the decathlon!

This month's winner is Raymond Goldstone of Los Angeles, California. Raymond receives an autographed Bob Mathias 1991 U.S Olympicard. Congratulations Ray!

For December 2000

In which Olympic city did Gwen Torrence win her individual Olympic gold medal?

We received 42 correct entries this month that named Barcelona as the answer.

Cregg Weinmann of Bakersfield, California had his name drawn as the winner of a 1996 Upper Deck Wilma Rudolph/ Gwen Torrence card signed by Gwen Torrence!

For November 2000

Who holds the women's record for fastest time in the New York City Marathon?

46 entrants knew that Lisa Ondieki set the women's course record in 1992 by running 2:24:40.

Brian Buchner of Orlando, Florida was selected as this month's winner. Brian receives a mouse pad autographed by Grete Waitz! (Where do we get this stuff?)...Congratulations Brian!

For October 2000

It had been anticipated for decades, and on May 6, 1954 the greatest running barrier was shattered. Here's how the stadium announcer added to the agonizing suspense that day with his pronouncement:

"Ladies and gentlemen, here is the result of event number nine, the one mile. First, number 41, R. G. Bannister, of the Amateur Athletic Association and formerly of Exeter and Merton Colleges, with a time which is a new meeting and track record and which, subject to ratification will be a new English native, British national, British all comers', European, British Empire and World record. The time is THREE..."

"How many days after Roger Bannister first broke the four minute mile barrier did the second athlete accomplish that feat?"

39 entrants took a few minutes to respond that it was 46 days later when John Landy duplicated Bannister's feat, breaking the world record in the process.

Aaron Derdowski of Nashville, Tennessee had his name drawn as this month's winner. Aaron receives a Roger Bannister autograph...Congratulations!

For September 2000

"Who were the other two US athletes competing with Frank Shorter in the 1972 Olympic Marathon?"

37 Olympic aficionados knew that Kenny Moore and Jack Bachelor accompanied Frank Shorter to Munich as the other marathoners on the 1972 US Olympic team. Kenny Moore finished 4th in 2:15:40 and Jack Bacheler finished 9th in 2:17:39.

Roy Seelye of Newington, Connecticut was selected as the winner of a Frank Shorter autographed card. Congratulations Roy!

For August 2000

"Steve Jones set a world best for the marathon in what city?"

37 people had the answer this month. Here's how one entrant answered the question:

"This is an easy one--Chicago!  I believe it was 1984, possibly 1985. 
Lopes vs. DeCastella vs. Jones.  Also Kristiansen vs. Benoit.

I watched the Chicago marathon when Jones set his WR.  I was at the 20M mark, near Wrigley field.  The local CBS affiliate had a TV truck parked on the street.  (There wasn't a pace truck with an on-going clock back then.)  I peered through the window to see the live feed shortly before Jones, Lopes and Deek hit 20 miles. 

The monitor said 1:37 something, and I immediately realized they were on world record pace.  I told the reporter, Phil Walters (recently deceased) that the leaders were on record pace.  He asked, "Are you sure?" then he immediately went on the air with it. 

Jones, Lopes, and Deek turned onto a diagonal street, and Jones had stoked the pace to where it seemed Lopes and Deek were desperately hanging on.  It was an unbelievable sight--an Olympic champion and a world champion getting hammered by an unknown!

My wife and I hopped into a cab near Wrigley, and headed towards the 25M mark on Marine Drive.  There weren't many people lining the pavement when we got there.  Jones came by, his singlet drooping over his shoulder, obviously feeling the effects of what turned out to be low 4:40 pace for the last 10K.  I yelled to him "World record pace!  World record pace!  Don't slow down!"  as he zoomed by.

Well, Jones did set the world record that day.  And he was kind enough to afterwards mention that by 25 miles he was really hurting, but someone shouted to him that he was on world record pace, and he kept up the pace until the finish.  It's in Mike Sandrock's book "Running With the Legends". 

That person was me!" - John Moody 

Congratulations go to Dave Weed of Salina, Kansas whose name was drawn as this month's winner. He receives an autographed Steve Jones water bottle as this month's prize. We will also send an autographed bottle to John Moody for his account of that record run!

For July 2000

"A US runner once set five world records and tied a sixth in less than 60 minutes. What is his name?"

30 entrants knew it could only be the great Jesse Owens!

On May 25, 1935 Jesse Owens was competing in the Big Ten Championships at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Imagine this...

At 3:15 p.m. he tied the world record in the 100 yard dash, running 9.4.

At 3:25 he broke the long jump record by six inches, jumping 26' 8 1/4". This record would stand for almost 25 years.

At 3:45 he ran the 220 yard dash in 20.3 seconds, taking 3/10 of a second off the record. That also beat the record for the shorter 200 meter dash.

At 4:00 he ran the 220 yard low hurdles in 22.6. He was the first to break 23 seconds. He set the record for the 200 meter hurdles en route as well.

Scott MacKenzie had his name drawn as this month's winner. Scott receives an autograph of US Olympian Lynn Jennings for his effort. Congratulations!

For June 2000

"The Women's 800m final at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games was the most devastating women's race in Olympic history. Why?"

Several women collapsed at the end of the race and had to be given aid. This alarming sight caused IOC officials to consider banning women from competing in any Olympic sport. Doctors suggested that women who participated in such feats of endurance would become "old too soon".

As a result the I.A.A.F banned women from competing in any race longer than 200 meters and women in the Olympics did not run a race longer than 1/2 lap for 32 years.

27 entrants had the correct answer and Eric Bray was selected as this month's winner. Eric receives an autographed Adam Goucher promo card for his knowledge of women's running!

For May 2000

"Who was the last foreign born runner to win an Olympic gold medal for the USA in the men's marathon?"

34 avid marathon fans knew that Frank Shorter was born in Munich, Germany to American parents. Frank's father was an army doctor stationed there in 1947.

Anthony Bailey of Belfair, Washington was selected as the lucky winner of an Anuta Catuna autographed promo card. Congrats Anthony!

For April 2000

"In what year did the official Boston Marathon winner not run the entire race?"

Many entrants thought the infamous Rosie Ruiz running(?) in 1980 was the answer, but although she wore the laurel wreath for a few days she was not the official winner that year. 11 people correctly answered 1918, the year a military relay was run instead of the standard individual marathon. Ten men competed for per team, each running only 2.5 miles.

David Murcko of Lodi, New Jersey was selected as this month's winner. David receives an autographed promo card of 1997 Runner of the Year Joseph Kimani!

For March 2000

"How many obstacles do you have to jump in the 3,000 meter Steeplechase?"

38 entrants had the correct answer of 35, 28 hurdles and 7 water jumps! Jim Stack of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania had his name drawn as this month's winner. Jim receives a promo card autographed by Olympic Steeplechaser Mark Croghan. Congratulations!

For February 2000

"Why did Jim Thorpe have his Olympic gold medals revoked?"

A year after winning the pentathlon and the decathlon gold medals at the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games it was revealed that Thorpe had earned $25 dollars a week playing minor league baseball in North Carolina in 1909 and 1910.

The A.A.U, the American Olympic Committee and the I.O.C all moved against Thorpe and demanded the return of his medals. The two silver medalists in those events refused to accept the gold medals when they were forwarded to them by the I.O.C.

On January 18, 1983, thirty years after he died, Jim Thorpe's gold medals were presented to his children.

A record 68 entrants answered correctly and Keith Cooper of St. Louis, Missouri was selected as this month's winner. Keith receives an autographed Todd Williams promo card for his trivia talent!

For January 2000

"What nation set the most world records for the men's mile in the past century?"

39 people had the correct answer...Great Britain. Nine mile world records were set by runners from the UK like Bannister, Coe, Ovett and Cram. Congratulations go to John Moody from Somers, Wisconsin. John wins an Uta Pippig autograph for his display of trivia knowledge!

For December 1999

"What current elite marathoner's name is a palindrome?"

This one you either knew right off or you didn't...28 clever entrants had the correct answer of Anuta Catuna (Her name is spelled the same backwards as it is forwards) and Scott Wolfe of Etowah, North Carolina was selected as the winner. Congratulations to Scott for starting the year off right! He receives an autographed Moses Tanui promo card for his efforts.

For November 1999

"Who were the first US athletes to win the 5,000m, the 10,000m and the Marathon in the Olympics?"

20 people knew that Bob Schul won the 5K in the 1964 Olympics, Billy Mills won the 10K in the 1964 Olympics and Thomas Hicks won the 1904 Olympic Marathon.

Dave Cuplin of Spokane, Washington had his name drawn as this month's winner. Dave receives an autographed promo card of Olympian Jim Spivey for his efforts.

For September 1999

"Why didn't Harrison Dillard win the 110m High Hurdles Gold Medal at the 1948 London Games?"

26 people knew that Harrison did not compete in the hurdles in the 1948 Olympics. He failed to qualify in the hurdles even though he was the world record holder. He hit a hurdle at the US Olympic Trials and did not finish the race.

Our congratulations go to this month's winner Matt Hulkkonen of Lantana, Florida.  Matt receives an autographed Harrison Dillard card for his efforts.

For August 1999

"How many times did Frank Shorter win Japan's elite Fukuoka Marathon?"

Four times (consecutive, '70-'73) was the correct answer given by 37 entrants this month. Harold Or of Singapore was selected as the winner and Harold receives an autographed Frank Shorter US Olympic Hall of Fame card. Congrats!

For July 1999

"What was Kenyan legend Kipchoge Keino's running trademark?"

An even dozen entrants knew that Kip's trademark was his orange cap, which he would toss on the infield when he was ready to unleash his kick! Congratulations go to Andy Baksa, of Knoxville, Tennesee who was this month's winner. Andy receives an autograph by Kenyan Marathoner Joseph Kamau for his efforts.

For June 1999

"Who was the first woman to run under five minutes for the mile?"

An astounding 53 entrants knew that Diane Leather (GBR) ran the first sub-five minute mile for women. She ran 4:59.6 on May 29th, 1954. This occurred the same month as Bannister's classic sub-four effort. Ellen Parodi of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania receives an autographed Moses Tanui promo card as this month's winner. Congratulations Ellen!

For May 1999

"What is Marty Liquori's best time for the Mile?"

A record 47 people responded with the correct time of 3:52.2. Marty ran that time on May 17, 1975 in Kingston, Jamaica. Robyn Hoelker-Wright of St Charles, Missouri was selected as the very lucky winner this month. Robyn receives an autographed Marty Liquori Sportscaster card.

For April 1999

"What was the lowest winning height in the Men's High Jump to win an Olympic Gold Medal?"

In 1906 at the Intercalculated Olympic Games held in Athens, Cornelius Leahy (GBR/IRL) cleared 5' 10"(1.775m) to win the gold. Cornelius benefitted from the fact that the favorite, Herbert Kerrigan, was injured when a huge wave hit the ship that carried the US team to Athens.

A meager 14 entrants successfully answered this month's question, and our congratulations goes to John Reinhart of White Bear Lake, Minnesota who is this month's winner. John receives an autographed Dwight Stones Sportscaster card for reaching such heights!

For March 1999

"In what year were qualifying times instituted at the Boston Marathon?"

In 1970 the Boston Athletic Association resorted to qualifying standards in an attempt to limit the field which had grown to 1,152 in 1969. That was triple the number of entrants that had run just five years earlier.

Race co-director Jock Semple set four hours as the standard, and this would lead to the growing stature of Boston as the Holy Grail of marathoning. The increasingly difficult qualifying standard at Boston would be a motivational force for thousands of marathoners during the late '70s running boom, driving them to excel at the distance.

From 21 correct entries we have drawn the name of Jim Hansen of Nashua, New Hampshire as this month's winner. Jim receives an autographed Joan Benoit Samuelson card for his efforts!

For February 1999

"Who was the last American to hold the outdoor mile record before Jim Ryun set his mark in 1966?"

25 people knew that "Galloping" Glenn Cunningham was the previous US athlete to hold the world record for the mile. Glenn ran 4:06.8 in 1934. An autographed Khalid Khannouchi card will be awarded to this month's winner, Fred Link of Northboro, Massachusetts.

For January 1999

"In what city did Mike Powell set the World Record for the long jump?"

The correct answer of Tokyo, Japan was submitted by 20 people. Congratulations go to Joe Lion of Raleigh, NC for being selected this month's winner! Joe receives an autographed Mike Powell promo card.

For December 1998

"How many times has Steve Scott run a sub-four minute mile?"

25 entrants answered correctly this month. Steve Scott has run 136 (or 137, counting en route to a farther distance) sub four minute miles. Three winners were selected this month to celebrate our second anniversary online. Congratulations go out to Mike Deignan of Harrisburg, PA, Mark Richner of Naperville, IL and Berle Garris of Greer, SC. They each receive an autographed Steve Scott promo card.

For November 1998

"What are the names of at least two athletes who have won both an Olympic and Boston Marathon?"

23 knowledgeable contestants responded with at least two of the four possible answers. Joan Benoit Samuelson, Gelindo Bordin, Rosa Mota and Fatuma Roba all have won both marathons. Scott Steffen of Allen, Texas was selected as the winner of this month's prize, an autographed Olga Appell promo card.

For October 1998

"When Flo Jo set the 100 meters world record in 1988, who's mark did she shatter?"

An outstanding 20 entrants knew that Flo Jo blistered Evelyn Ashford's 1984 mark of 10.76 by turning a 10.49 at the 1988 US Olympic Trials.

Special congratulations to Cregg Weinmann of Bakersfield, California for being selected as this month's winner.
Cregg received an autographed Jim Spivey promo card for his efforts!

For September 1998

"In what year did Alberto Salazar first win the NYC Marathon?"

A record 25 people knew that Alberto Salazar won the NYC marathon in his debut performance in 1980.

Wendy Carr of Fredericksburg, Virginia received an Alberto Salazar autograph as this month's winner. Way to go Wendy!

For August 1998

"Native American Billy Mills can trace his ancestry to which tribe?"

23 people knew that Olympian Billy Mills can trace his heritage to the Oglala and Lakota Sioux.

Congratulations to all but especially to Thomas Menendez of Lewiston, Maine who was selected as this month's winner. Thomas received an autographed Billy Mills card.

For July 1998

"Who was the famous coach responsible for guiding Peter Snell to Olympic Gold?"

A record 24 entrants knew that Arthur Lydiard coached mile great Peter Snell to Olympic success.

Congratulations to Reagan Cunningham of Spokane, Washington for being selected as the winner of an autographed Peter Snell card.

For June 1998

"Which current U.S. Congressman has the fastest Personal Best time in the Mile?"

An astounding 19 entrants knew that the Honorable Congressman from Kansas, Jim Ryun, is the fastest miler in Washington. He has a personal best of 3:51.1.

Pat Link of Northboro, Massachusetts was selected as this month's winner, and received a promo card autographed by two time NYC Marathon winner German Silva.

For May 1998

"How many years in a row has a Kenyan runner won the men's open division of the Boston Marathon?"

12 people answered correctly with 8 years in a row.  

Scott Steffen of Allen, Texas was selected as the lucky winner, receiving a promo card signed by 1998 Boston Marathon Champion Moses Tanui.

For April 1998

"Who gave the Boston Marathon's "Heartbreak Hill" it's name?"

Jerry Nason, sportswriter for the Boston Globe, is credited with naming Heartbreak Hill.

Congratulations to JB Brown of Blacksburg, Virginia who received a 1997 Boston Marathon Poster signed by the artist.

For March 1998

"Name the first runner to break 4 minutes for the mile as a Master, and to make it a little tougher, what time did he run?"

Only 9 experts knew that Ireland's favorite son, Eamonn Coghlan, ran 3:58:15 on February 20, 1994 at Harvard's Gordon indoor track to be the first man over age 40 to break the 4 minute mile.

Jeff Wertman of Canton, Ohio had the luck of the Irish to be selected as the winner this month. He received an autographed Sonia O'Sullivan promo card for his efforts.

Sonia had a pretty good month too, as she became the first double Gold Medalist at the World Cross Country Championships in Marrakech, Morocco!

For February 1998

"Name the Olympic Cities where Al Oerter was awarded his Gold Medals."

An outstanding 19 people knew that Al Oerter struck Gold with his discus in four Olympic Games. Melbourne in 1956, Rome in 1960, Tokyo in 1964 and Mexico City in 1968.  

Congratulations to all, but especially to Rodger Smith of Scarborough, Maine who was selected as the winner of the autographed Al Oerter card.

For January 1998

"What is Roger Bannister's best time for the mile?"

Sir Roger ran 3:58.8 in his classic race with John Landy in Vancouver on August 7, 1954. Entering the home stretch Landy looked for Roger over his inside shoulder just as Bannister passed him on the outside. This was the last time Roger broke 4 minutes for the mile and he retired from racing soon after.

15 people answered correctly, and an autographed Joan Benoit Samuelson card was awarded to Amber Anderson of Omaha, Nebraska. Congratulations Amber!

For December 1997

"Who was the first to run an Olympic Marathon in less than 2 hours 10 minutes?"

18 people knew that Waldemar Cierpinski of the German Democratic Republic ran 2:09:55 in the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

Scott Steffen of Allen, Texas, Henry Hascup of Lodi, New Jersey and Bill Taylor of Camano Island, Washington, had their names drawn as the winners of our 3 autographed Frank Shorter cards. Congratulations to all!

For November 1997

"How many times did the lovely and gracious Grete Waitz win the New York City Marathon?"

The correct answer of 9 times was given by seven people.

Bob Niedbala of Willington, Connecticut was drawn as the winner of a 1976 Boston Marathon Champion Jack Fultz autograph. Congratulations Bob!

For October 1997

"In the 1967 Boston Marathon, what number was Kathrine Switzer wearing?"

Eleven people answered correctly with the number 261.  

Ron Miller of Ellicott City, Maryland was picked as the winner of two time Boston Marathon champion Geoff Smith's autograph.

For September 1997

"Who was the first person to break 27 minutes for 10,000 meters?"

Ten people had the correct answer of Yobes Ondieki of Kenya, who ran 26:58:38 in 1993.  

Jorma Ronkainen of Suomi, Finland was selected as the winner of a Joe LeMay autograph.

For August 1997

"Who was first person to break 3 minutes 50 seconds for the mile?"

Five people had the correct answer of John Walker of New Zealand, who ran 3:49.4 in 1975.  

Michael Musca of Ventura, California was selected as the winner of a promo card autographed by Steve Jones. Congratulations Michael!

For July 1997

"What brand of running shoes did Abebe Bikila wear in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Marathon?"

The answer is: Puma running shoes.

There were no correct entries for July. Too tough!

For June 1997

"What was Lindy Remigino's winning time in the 1952 Olympic 100 meter final?"

The answer is: 10.4 seconds. In one of the biggest upsets and closest finishes in sprint history, Lindy nipped Herbert McKenley (JAM) in a photo finish.  The first four places were all given the same finishing time.

We are happy to award  this month's winner, Jeff Benjamin of Staten Island, NY, a card autographed by Lindy Remigino, the double Gold Medalist in the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games.

For May 1997

"Who was the first American to run a sub-four minute mile indoors?"

The answer is: Jim Beatty.  On February 10, 1962 Jim ran 3:58.9 in Los Angeles, California. He had already run three sub-4 miles outdoors by that time, with a best of 3:58.

Congratulations to Ken Christensen of Minnesota for being first with the correct answer and winning a promo card autographed by Steve Scott.  Steve currently holds the American record for the mile, with the time of 3:47:69.

For April 1997

"Who won the Boston Marathon with the largest margin of victory?" (Men's Division)

The answer is: John J. McDermott. He won by 6 minutes, 52 seconds in the first running of the Boston Marathon in 1897.  

No one answered correctly.

For March 1997

"In what city was the starting line of the first marathon held in the USA?"

The answer is: Stamford, Connecticut. The first marathon in the United States was run from Stamford, CT to the Columbia Oval in New York City  in October of 1896. It was won by John J. McDermott in 3:25:55.
McDermott would go on to win the first Boston Marathon six months later.

Jeff Benjamin of Staten Island, NY receives our congratulations and a September 22, 1972 issue of Life Magazine featuring Frank Shorter on the cover, for being the first with the right answer.

For February 1997

"What is Steve Prefontaine's personal best for the 1 mile run?"

The answer is: 3:54.6.  Steve Prefontaine finished second to Dave Wottle in his fastest mile race at Eugene, Oregon on June 20, 1973.  Wottle won with a 3:53.3 clocking.

Congratulations to Graeme Fieldhouse of New Jersey, for nailing that question and winning a 1978 "Steve Prefontaine" Sportscaster card.

For January 1997

"In what year did Frank Shorter first run the Boston Marathon?"

The answer is: 1978.  Although Shorter won the 1972 Olympic Marathon, he had not raced at Boston before 1978 due to the B.A.A.'s refusal to pay "expenses" for elite athletes.

Congratulations to Ken Christensen of Minnesota, for having the correct answer and winning an autographed Frank Shorter Olympic card.

For December 1996:

"Who was the first woman to set the world best time for the womens' marathon?"

The answer is: Violet Percy of Great Britain.  She completed a marathon in 3:40:22 on October 3, 1926.

No one had the correct answer.