“When Canadians go
a-marathoning down Boston way, there is always great uneasiness among the
runners of Uncle Sam’s domain, for the Canuck’s have carried off so many plums
at Beantown that they are looked upon as the ones to beat every time they start.”
Hamilton
Spectator. April 17, 1915.
In the final few days
before the running of the 1915 Boston marathon, the Hamilton Spectator sports
reporter took time to reminisce about the participation, and success, of
Hamilton long-distance runners in the great event.
One Boston marathon
was especially legendary among the Hamilton running community, the one that was
run in the year 1900:
“It will fifteen
years ago next Monday that Jack Caffery jogged over the course in 2.39.44 2-5 and
left the American runners sofar behind that they thought he had boarded an
express train. Jack lowered the record by over 10 minutes and was given his
only worry during the journey by other Canadians.
“In fact, it was not
until 18 miles of the journey had been covered that Caffery was in front, for
up to that point Billy Sherring was well in front of the winner, but the early
pace had been too much for Sherring, and he dropped exhausted by the roadside
and left Caffery to jog along alone.
“Three men passed
Sherring while he was recuperating, but he would not say die, and after being
refreshed and rubbed, he started on his journey again, and when the finish line
was reached, Caffery was the only man to have crossed the tape ahead of him.”1
1 “Hamilton
Runners in Boston Marathon”
Hamilton
Spectator. April 17, 1915.
The two trainers of
Jack Caffery, Tommy Power and Lawrence Robertson, felt that he could do even
better. At running of the 1901 Boston Marathon, Hamilton’s Jack Caffrey won
again, and also lowered his own record at the event by over ten, setting a then
course record of 2.29.23 3-5.
Dinny Carroll was
another noted Hamilton runner who entered the 1900 Boston as one of the 5
representatives of the Ambitious City:
“Dinny Carroll, who
had been a familiar figure in athletic circles here, made the boast that if he
did not win the Boston race, he would never return to Hamilton, and he kept his
word. He failed to make even a good showing, and has not been in Hamilton
since, having made his home in Boston.”1
The winner of the
1914 Boston Marathon was Hamiltonian James Duffy. Duffy, a very popular man in
Hamilton, came in at just 4 minutes over the course record.
In 1915, Jack Duffy
did not enter his name into the roster for the Boston Marathon. Duffy had been
one of the first Hamiltonians to volunteer when war had been declared in August
of the previous year. He had been advised by many friends to not do that as he
was already entered into number of upcoming professional races.
Duffy went through
with his desire to enter military service, becoming a member of the 91st
Highlander company of the 19th battalion.
Duffy was a native of
Scotland who had originally lived in Toronto after coming to Canada. Later he moved to Hamilton because of the
community of marathon runners and trainers, especially Tommy Thompson, in the city. Hamilton was also well-known for
having excellent courses for training use, notably around the bay and up and
down the escarpment.
Not long after the running of the 1915
Boston Marathon, the sporting world in Hamilton, and internationally, was
shocked and saddened by the following news, as it appeared in the Hamilton
Spectator:
“Another great athlete has given his
life for his King and country. Word was received to the effect that James
Duffy, the famous long distance runner, had died of wound.”2
2 “Great
Athlete Died of Wounds : Jimmy Duffy, Famous Long-Distance Runner, Killed at
the Front”
Hamilton Spectator. April 30, 1915.
Several of Jimmy
Duffy’s fellow Hamilton athletes paid high tribute to him on learning of his death.
His former trainer,
Tommy Thompson, also spoke
feelingly of Duffy:
“ ‘I know Jimmy
received his wounds like a hero. He was one of those fellows that did not have
the slightest idea of what danger really was, and I know that from the courage
and grit he has shown in his races that he did not fall before he had managed
to dispose of some Germans. He was a real good pal, as well as an athlete, and
while I feel his death keenly, it is a great satisfaction to know that he met
his end in such a noble way.’ ”2
(The following verses were written in memory of James, the plucky
Hamilton runner, and winner of many important races, who died of wounds
received in action in France.)
Forgetful of himself,
he went to fight his country’s foe;
His mind upon one object bent; to answer
blow with blow;
And thus he faced the
shrieking shell, nor faltered in his place,
And thus he fought, and thus he fell, and
thus he ran his race.
True lover of an
honest game; a leader in the runs;
He left it all for country’s fame, and
marched against the Huns,
The grit which won
him many a race now urged him ‘gainst the foe,
Nor did he falter from his place till death had
laid him low.
Down through the
years Jimmy Duffy’s name shall never be forgot,
Though rough the course, it found him game, exchanging
shot for shot,
He served his King
and country well, nor feared the foe to face;
And thus he fought and thus he fell, and
thus he ran his race.
-
Robert J. Devine.” 1
1 ‘Jimmy’ Duffy ”
Hamilton Times. May 1, 1915
