Run Long Run Healthy Amby Burfoot on 60 Years of Marathon Running
Jul 3, 2025
Amby Burfoot, a legendary marathon runner and 1968 Boston Marathon champion, shares his remarkable journey through six decades of running. He discusses the transformation of marathon culture from the 1960s to today, emphasizing community and camaraderie. Amby also delves into the evolution of hydration practices, running shoe technology, and nutrition, reflecting on how each has enhanced performance. He opens up about overtraining and the importance of recovery, making it clear that passion and adaptation remain key to long-distance running.
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1960s Runner Community and Hostility
- In the 1960s, marathon runners were seen as "freaks" and often faced hostility from spectators.
- Boston Marathon had about 400-1000 runners, creating a tight-knit community of passionate runners.
Memorable Boston Marathon Races
- Amby recalls memorable Boston Marathons: his 1968 win, the 1976 heat "run for the hoses," and the cold, rainy 2018 race.
- In 2018, he used a run-together strategy to safely finish amid harsh conditions.
Impact of Noon Start Times
- Boston and many races started at noon due to historical reasons and tradition.
- Starting races at noon often led to suffering in hot conditions, with runners describing themselves as "wilting" mid-race.
