1944 Boston Marathon

The much-anticipated rematch between Gerard A. Cote and John A. Kelley lived up to expectations and resulted in the third-closest finish to this point in race history. While Cote spent the afternoon in the lead pack, Kelley slowly worked his way to the front. Kelley finally caught Cote beyond Washington Square on Beacon Street, but Cote refused to yield sole possession of the lead. Seven times Kelley surged and seven times Cote answered. Finally, with less than a half-mile remaining, Cote surged and Kelley had no response. It was Cote’s third title (2:31:50) and Kelley’s sixth second-place finish.