title: 1898 Boston Marathon
text: # 1898 Boston Marathon
  
  The 1898 Boston Marathon, contemporarily referred to as the Boston Athletic Association's annual marathon race, was the second edition of the marathon race that became known as the Boston Marathon. It took place on April 19, 1898, from Ashland to Boston, Massachusetts, over a distance of 24.5 miles (39.4 km).
  
  A contemporary report in The Boston Globe stated 24 runners started the race, although 25 entrants were listed. The Boston Athletic Association states there were 24 runners.
  
  ## Results
  
  The top five finishers were:
  
  | Position | Athlete | Representing | Time |
  | - | - | - | - |
  | 1 | Ronald MacDonald† | Cambridgeport Gymnasium Athletic Association | 2:42 |
  | 2 | Hamilton Gray | St. George A.C., New York | 2:45 |
  | 3 | R. A. McLean | East Boston Athletic Association | 2:48:02 |
  | 4 | John McDermott‡ | Pastime A.C., New York | 2:54:17+2⁄5 |
  | 5 | Lawrence Brignolia | Bradford Boat Club, Cambridge, Massachusetts | 2:55:49+2⁄5 |
  
  † MacDonald, from Nova Scotia, became the first Canadian winner of the race.
  
  ‡ McDermott was the defending champion from 1897.
  
  Dick Grant also competed and finished in seventh place.
  
  Source:
  
  