As we enter Boston Marathon race week, we remember champion and pioneer Bob Hall. At the 1975 Boston Marathon, Bob made history by becoming the first wheelchair division champion, crossing the finish in two hours, 58 minutes to earn a coveted finisher’s certificate. But more importantly, Bob’s finish began an era of marathoning for wheelchair athletes — and in the five decades since, nearly 2,000 wheelchair competitors have joined the Boston Marathon finisher family.
Bob designed innovative wheelchair equipment, raced with courage, and was proud to be a two-time Boston Marathon champion, finishing first in 1975 and 1977. He helped lead a technological change, transforming simple wheelchairs into racing chairs built for peak athletic performance. Bob’s influence and effort five decades ago led to the global circuit of wheelchair racing today. Many of the current racing stars also grew up using Bob Hall-designed racing chairs.
Last year, on the 50th anniversary of the wheelchair division and his first victory in Boston, Bob was welcomed back as Grand Marshal of the 129th Boston Marathon. He was celebrated from Hopkinton to Boston, and made sure to push the final stretch on Boylston Street, crossing the finish line one final time.
The moments we at the Boston Athletic Association got to spend with Bob were special. We shared stories, laughs, and lessons — lessons learned on how we can continue to ensure athletes of all abilities have competitive opportunities on the highest stage here in Boston. Bob will remain in our hearts, and we extend our condolences to his many friends, family, and the wheelchair racing family which he was a part of.
