The Mother-Son Running Streak Club

Nancy Shohet West is a freelance journalist living in my hometown of Carlisle, MA. She writes for many publications, including the Boston Globe, and has authored an excellent account of her experiences as a "streak" runner bonding with her then 9-year old son.

I first met Nancy as a 12 year old piano student of mine in 1979, and our paths crossed years later when she wrote a Boston Globe article about me in 2005 as I approached the 30th anniversary of my other (non-Boston) running streak, never missing a day of running at least 1 mile. She revisited me for another Globe article when that running streak came to an end in 2007 at 11,687 days, 1 day short of 32 years, due to a heart attack .

Her curiosity about the concept of streak running and the United States Streak Running Association (USRSA), her decades-long commitment to running, and the challenges of a mother raising a young son all coincided to inspire this marvelously readable book. It can be obtained at Amazon.com by clicking on the title of this post.

BAA is caught in a numbers game - The Boston Globe

A major news story today in the Boston Globe regarding the Boston Marathon-the crises it now faces and some excellent information on what many of us faced in trying to register for the 2011 race. A difficult time for the BAA, the QCC members in particular, and runners everywhere looking ahead to the future.Click on the Title link for the article. Unfortunately, you now have to sign up for a free account to access this article.

40 Bostons...A QCC Farewell to Martin Duffy

A sad time for the QCC...another stalwart has passed away. Reprinted below is Martin's obituary. He is one of only 5 people in the Boston Marathon's 114 year history to have finished 40 consecutive Bostons. Please read the earlier article about Martin in the QCC Blog. I have sent every member running Boston next April a special wristband to wear during the race, honoring Martin...not only his achievements as a runner, but also in recognition of the wonderful human being he was. Heartfelt condolences to his wife, Rusty, and daughters Brianna & Katie.

Martin E. Duffy of Belmont passed away peacefully at home Nov 29, 2010 following an illness with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Rusty Stieff, loving father of Brianna Duffy and Katie Duffy, father-in-law of Randy Morin, and grandfather of Evie and Liam Morin. He is survived by his siblings, Janice Kirkman, Arthur Duffy, Tom Duffy and Anne Kenney. A lifelong runner, Martin began running at Durfee High in Fall River where he was captain of the track team. At Tufts University, because he carried six courses on a full scholarship, he had to temporarily put his track career aside. Years later, Martin completed 40 consecutive Boston Marathons, ran in the Philadelphia and New York Marathons and completed a personal best time of 2:37.11 in the Ocean State Marathon finishing second in the Master's Division. After earning an MBA from Wharton, Martin was an economist and consultant at Data Resources Inc. before founding his own firm, The Perseus Group. He was proud of his contributions as adjunct faculty at Emmanuel College and Suffolk University and within the town of Belmont, serving as both town meeting member and beloved soccer coach for many years. Martin's inclusive nature and his ability to interact with people in many circles on a wide range of topics allowed him to touch the lives of many. He was a friend, mentor, confidante, coach, teacher and role model all rolled into one. As one friend wrote, "His friendship was genuine and his smile was a reflection of his heart." His contributions, substantive character and life-loving spirit will be remembered and missed. He brought out the best in many of us. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Foundation for Belmont Education P. O. Box 518 Belmont, MA. 02478 or to Holy Union Sisters c/o Sister Barbara Kirkman P.O. Box 410 Milton, MA 02186. Be well.

Martin Duffy: The End of an Unintended 40-Year Boston Streak

After answering the starting gun and finishing the Boston Marathon for 40 consecutive years, the ravages of cancer and its treatment have forced QCC member Martin Duffy of Belmont, MA to retire his streak. Though he will not be crossing the finish line in person, his wife, Rusty, will running his number in on the final leg of a relay. In tribute, fellow QCC members will be running this race in his honor and his accomplishments will continue to be recognized on the QCC Retired Listing. Read more ...

S. Mark Courtney Aims For 5th Decade Sub-3 Marathon

by Amby Burfoot
Mark and I have had a hard time connecting, apparently because he's very busy with a race-timing company, Run High, that he and his wife own. In fact, they did much of the work behind the 28,215 Boston Marathon timing chips that will be used in the race. "We printed the stickers, domed them with an epoxy for a 3D look, placed them in the chips, and individually scanned and bagged them for Boston to pack in the pre-race envelopes," Courtney says. Continued ...
S. Mark Courtney Wins the 50+ Division
of the 2006 Boston Marathon

Boston's Fastest Streaker

Pennsylvania's S. Mark Courtney returns for Boston #31 in 2010

By Sabrina Grotewold
As featured in the May 2010 issue of Running Times Magazine

his average finishing time for all 30 Bostons is 2:47:08, with a course PR of 2:31:58, run in 1986." Full article.

The Road to Boston

THE ROAD TO BOSTON is a Chicago-based training program and running camp. The Coach and program director, Mark Buciak, has completed the last 30 consecutive Boston Marathons with a PB of 2:30:25, making him the only Illinois member of Boston’s elite “Quarter Century Club” (QCC). For more info, click on

No Stopping: Ronald Kmiec's 36-year Boston Marathon streak

By Peter Vigneron As featured in the Web Only issue of Running Times Magazine

"Ronald Kmiec is a pianist and piano teacher. For almost 32 years he went running every day. Then he had a heart attack and the streak ended. When he recovered he resumed running. That was two years ago. He is now 67, his new streak is two years old, and he will not better his old streak until he is 97.

Kmiec is a novelty and an eccentric..." Read more

Runner's World tribute to Jack Meegan

Jack Meegan, 74, a Quarter Century Club member with 30 finishes, died from a heart attack following a run on January 14th. Condolences from the QCC to his family & friends. See the article from Runner's World Forum .

Montclair Marathon Man Turns 70, Keeps Running (Baristanet)

Montclair Marathon Man Turns 70, Keeps Running (Baristanet)

The QCC wishes Andy best wishes and success with his "heart repair" on the 27th. To my knowledge, he is far and away the most prodigious marathoner In the world with 618. Read this story to be blown away by the extent of his accomplishment.