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Johnny Kelley: 1907-2004

Kelley in Hopkinton before the 1996 race.

Kelley in Hopkinton before the 1996 race. (Globe Staff Photo / John Tlumacki)

First Marathon victory, 1935.

First Marathon victory, 1935. (Globe File Photo)

Boston Marathon man
Johnny Kelley dies at 97

Johnny Kelley, a bow-legged marathoner with more endurance than the Energizer Bunny, competed in the Boston Marathon a record 61 times and won the grueling race twice. He finished second a record seven times and in 18 races he placed in the top 10. (Boston Globe)

PHOTO GALLERY: Johnny Kelley in pictures

NECN VIDEO: Legendary runner Johnny Kelley dies

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Nov. 5, 1999 : Racing for the hills -- 61 times

April 13, 1999: Kelley skips run but vows to return

April 19, 1993: Statue in Newton honors runner

April 26, 1992: Kelley runs his last Marathon

April 19, 1935: Kelley's first Marathon victory

ON THE WEB

National Distance Running Hall of Fame

Kelley's statue, Irish Heritage Trail

The Johnny Kelley Road Race

Boston Marathon official site

ABOUT THE MARATHON

Boston.com Marathon Central