Track & Field 04/16/2012

Honoring Mike Ryan

Former Idaho track and field head coach Mike Ryan won the Boston Marathon 100 years ago today, and on that centennial anniversary, four of his great-grandchildren will run the marathon in his honor.

As a competitor, Ryan won the 1912 Boston Marathon with a record time of 2:21.18 that stood for nearly 10 years. He also took second at the 1910 Canadian Marathon and second at the 1911 London Marathon. He represented America twice in the Summer Olympic Games in 1908 and 1912.

Ryan, for whom the Idaho track and field office is named, was the head coach of the Vandal track and field program from 1936-46, during which time the Vandals qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships 13 times and posted seven top-six individual finishes.

On Monday, Mike Ryan, Amy Ryan Kadner, Laura Ryan Chimento and Katie Ryan Mishkin will traverse the 26.2-mile course in their great-grandfather's honor.

CLICK HERE to read a feature about the family in the Boston Herald.

CLICK HERE for a feature in Runner's World.

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