I ran 5 x heartbreak hill
The most famous hill in all of running is almost certainly “Heartbreak Hill”, between miles 20 and 21 of the Boston Marathon course.
Why is it called heartbreak hill?
In 1936, while running the last of the four Newton hills, defending champion Johnny Kelley finally caught the leader, Ellison “Tarzan” Brown. As he passed him, Kelley gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder, figuring that Brown would quickly fade. Instead, Brown, motivated by this bold move, immediately regained the lead and went on to win.
The late Boston Globe sportswriter Jerry Nason coined the term “Heartbreak Hill” in the next day’s issue when he described Kelley’s bitter defeat (“breaking Kelley’s heart”).
Every Patriots Day since 1936, Heartbreak Hill on Commonwealth Avenue in Newton has become a focal point for many of Boston’s most vocal and knowledgeable marathon spectators —- particularly those eager to witness the drama (and agony) as runners strive to conquer the most challenging section of this historic course.