This Date In Running History - February 12, 1909

CLARK FIRST IN MARATHON GRIND

Spectators Numbering 400,000 Watched Brooklyn-Seagate Race

New York, Feb. 13 - James E. Clark, of the Xavier Athletic Association won the Brooklyn-Seagate Marathon, promoted by the 13th Regiment in honor of Lincoln's Birthday yesterday and as far as the entry list, and the crowd who saw the race, were concerned, they were a long way the best on record for America. The fine string of 164 men started and the crowd extended over 12 miles of roadway, from Sumner and Jefferson Avenue to Seagate. Not a foot of vacant space was seen on the sidewalks anywhere, and a conservative estimate put the throng at 400,000 persons.

Clark was with the front brigade all through the journey, but at the eighteenth mile he took the lead, and showed the way clean through Irish-A. A. C. Clark has taken part in several marathon, but the one yesterday was his first win. He jogged along nicely and comfortably in the last couple of miles on the armory floor, all the time keeping his eye on the second man. He was given a great reception during the last lap.

After crossing the line he walked across the floor unassisted to his dressing room. Third place fell to Harry Jensen, of the Pasttime A.C., and he completed the journey about a half mile behind Crowley. Clark's time, 2:46.52 4-5.

Source: The Buffalo Commercial, Buffalo, New York, Saturday, February 13, 1909

Note: Clark set the world record which held for less than three months when it was broken at the Bronx Marathon on May 8, 1909.