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The Narragansett Indian Who Twice Won The Boston Marathon

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Ellison "Tarzan" Brown: The Narragansett Indian Who Twice Won the Boston Marathon

by Michael Ward

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9301 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	445 pages

John J. "Speedy" Gonzales was a Narragansett Indian who ran the Boston Marathon a record 35 times and twice won the race, in 1924 and 1925.

Gonzales was born in 1898 on the Narragansett Indian Reservation in Rhode Island. He began running as a child, and by the time he was in his early 20s, he was one of the top distance runners in the country.

In 1924, Gonzales entered the Boston Marathon for the first time. He finished the race in third place, but his performance caught the attention of the race organizers.

The following year, Gonzales returned to Boston and won the race in a time of 2:20:42. He became the first Native American to win the Boston Marathon.

Gonzales won the Boston Marathon again in 1925, becoming the first person to win the race twice in a row. He also set a new course record that year, with a time of 2:18:53.

Gonzales continued to run the Boston Marathon throughout the 1920s and 1930s. He finished in the top 10 a total of 20 times, and he set several age-group records.

Gonzales's running career was cut short by injuries in the early 1940s. He retired from running in 1943, but he remained active in the sport as a coach and mentor.

Gonzales died in 1982 at the age of 84. He is remembered as one of the greatest distance runners of all time, and his legacy continues to inspire Native American runners today.

Gonzales's Running Style

Gonzales was known for his smooth, effortless running style. He had a long, loping stride that covered a lot of ground with each step.

Gonzales was also a very efficient runner. He didn't waste any energy on unnecessary movements, and he always ran at a steady pace.

Gonzales's running style was perfectly suited for the Boston Marathon. The course is relatively flat and fast, and Gonzales was able to maintain a high pace throughout the race.

Gonzales's Legacy

Gonzales's legacy is still felt today. He is an inspiration to Native American runners, and his story reminds us that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

In 2000, Gonzales was inducted into the Boston Marathon Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame and the National Distance Running Hall of Fame.

Gonzales's story is a reminder that we can all achieve great things, regardless of our background or circumstances. He is a true American hero, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

John J. Ellison Tarzan Brown: The Narragansett Indian Who Twice Won The Boston Marathon

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The Narragansett Indian Who Twice Won The Boston Marathon is a must-read for any fan of running or Native American history. Free Download your copy today and learn the inspiring story of John J. "Speedy" Gonzales.

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Ellison "Tarzan" Brown: The Narragansett Indian Who Twice Won the Boston Marathon

by Michael Ward

4.9 out of 5