Heartbreak Hill's Unsung Hero: The Native Marathoner Who Conquered Boston

The Boston Marathon’s infamous Heartbreak Hill carries a name steeped in history, forever linked to a legendary upset. More than five decades after his passing, the remarkable story of Ellison "Tarzan" Brown,the Native marathoner who conquered Boston, continues to inspire. It was April 20, 1936, at mile 20 of the iconic race, as Brown tackled the grueling 3.5% incline on Commonwealth Avenue. A dismissive pat on the back from defending champion Johnny Kelley spurred him on. What followed was a breathtaking surge. Brown sprinted up the demanding half-mile ascent, igniting a fierce, head-to-head battle with Kelley. Before half a million stunned spectators, the then-unknown 22-year-old crossed the finish line first, securing a victory that would make his "Tarzan" nickname a national sensation.

The Genesis of Heartbreak Hill

Brown’s stunning upset stands as one of the Boston Marathon’s most legendary moments. Johnny Kelley's unexpected defeat is the very reason that notorious section of Commonwealth Avenue became known as "Heartbreak Hill." What made Brown's triumph even more extraordinary was his background: a largely unknown member of the Narragansett tribe, he was not only one of the few Native American athletes to compete in this globally renowned marathon but also the first to claim victory.

From "Deerfoot" to "Tarzan": A Champion Rises

Known as "Deerfoot" within the Narragansett community, Brown exhibited remarkable athleticism from a young age. His passion for running, combined with an uncanny ability to swing through trees, earned him comparisons to Edgar Rice Burroughs’ famous jungle character, leading to his enduring nickname, "Tarzan." "Nobody knew him as Ellison," recalls Anna Brown-Jackson, one of his ten surviving grandchildren. "Everyone called him Tarzan." His 1936 Boston Marathon win was merely the springboard for a remarkable athletic journey. Hailed by one contemporary headline as the "First 100 Percent American to Win Boston Marathon," Brown transcended mere athletic achievement. He became a beacon of hope and a champion for the Narragansett people, who, alongside the Wampanoag and Niantic nations, had faced "detribalisation" by Rhode Island in the 1880s.

A Voice for the Narragansett

Historians widely acknowledge Brown's prominence played a crucial role in bringing the Narragansett people back into the national consciousness. Today, nearly 90 years after his iconic triumph, his legacy is finally receiving the widespread recognition it deserves.

Humble Beginnings and Barefoot Grit

Born in Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1913, Brown grew up in profound poverty alongside his seven siblings, leaving school after seventh grade. He supported his family through arduous work as a farm laborer and stonemason, a trade he maintained throughout his life. Despite these hardships, his natural athletic gifts shone through with every stride. At 16, he began training under local coach Thomas Salimeno Sr, affectionately known as "Tippy." In 1935, at just 19 and shortly after his mother Grace’s passing, Brown made his Boston Marathon debut. Facing worn-out shoes in the grueling final miles, he famously shed them and completed the last seven miles barefoot, securing a respectable 13th place.

From Boston Champion to Olympic Hopeful

After his improbable 1936 triumph,The New York Timeslauded his performance, noting how the "Indian finishes almost two minutes ahead of [second-place runner William] McMahon" despite being "near collapse." Kelley, meanwhile, finished fifth. Honored at the State House, Brown proudly proclaimed, "I did it for Rhode Island." His incredible performance quickly earned him a spot on the US Olympic team. Months after their dramatic encounter on Heartbreak Hill, Brown and Kelley traveled to Europe together, competing on the global stage. Despite their fierce rivalry, they shared a deep bond. Anna Brown-Jackson recounts, "Away from racing, they were really good friends. You had to have a friend back then, during the time of the Depression." The two often traveled and raced together, forming a lasting camaraderie. The 1936 Berlin Olympics, overshadowed by Nazi ideology, witnessed Jesse Owens’ legendary four gold medals challenging notions of Aryan supremacy. Brown also participated in the Olympic marathon but, unfortunately, an injury prevented him from finishing. He endured criticism from the media and a costly surgery upon his return but remained undeterred, continuing his running career.

A Resounding Comeback

Undeterred by setbacks and dismissed by many critics, Brown made a triumphant return to the Boston Marathon in 1939. In a rain-drenched race, he not only claimed his second victory but also shattered his 1936 time by nearly five minutes, finishing in an astounding 2 hours and 28 minutes, setting both a new course and American record.

Preserving a Legacy: The Tomaquag Museum

In Westerly, Rhode Island, the Tomaquag Museum stands as a vital center for Indigenous history and culture, the only one of its kind in the state. Here, a life-sized cutout of Brown, depicted in his iconic 1936 marathon bib (number 189), greets visitors, embodying the spirit of this local hero. While celebrating all New England’s Indigenous communities, the museum places special emphasis on Brown and the Narragansett people. Entering the exhibits, guests encounter a glass display featuring one of Brown's cherished trophies, captivating black-and-white photographs, and the laurel crown from his monumental 1936 Boston Marathon victory. The museum’s gift shop also offers Michael Ward's comprehensive biography,Ellison 'Tarzan' Brown: The Narragansett Indian Who Twice Won the Boston Marathon, allowing visitors to delve deeper into his extraordinary life.

An Enduring Impact and Lasting Tributes

While not a political activist in the traditional sense, Brown’s monumental achievements inadvertently cast a powerful spotlight on the Narragansett community. "He garnered international attention," states Sararesa Hopkins, an educator at the Tomaquag Museum. "He instilled immense pride and recognition in the Narragansett people, even when Rhode Island itself hadn’t officially recognized them." Tragically, Brown's life was cut short at 61 when he was struck by a van in 1975. Although he didn’t live to witness the federal reinstatement of the Narragansett Indian Tribe in 1983, his celebrity undoubtedly propelled the tribe’s cause onto the national stage, solidifying his status as a beloved tribal figure. His legacy continues to flourish through various tributes. Just one year after his passing, the inauguralTarzan Brown Mystic River Runcommenced in Mystic, Connecticut, a short distance from his hometown. This annual November event will mark its 50th anniversary in 2025. More recently, 2023 saw the dedication of the 3.5-mileTarzan Brown Trailin Charlestown, Rhode Island's Carter Preserve, where hikers can now find a commemorative plaque. This spring, a bronze sculpture of Brown, captured mid-stride, will be unveiled in Westerly's Wilcox Park, further cementing his place in history.

The Unforgettable Legacy of Ellison "Tarzan" Brown

Lorén M. Spears, Executive Director of the Tomaquag Museum, affirms that Brown's impact has only grown stronger with time. As his grand-nephew, Brian Lightfoot Brown, movingly wrote, "He was a selfless and devoted man. A legend in his own time, and an even bigger legend since his untimely death… He possessed immense pride in his identity." This year, as countless runners confront the legendary Heartbreak Hill during the world’s oldest annual marathon, they will pass a seven-foot statue of Johnny Kelley on Commonwealth Avenue. While many may not recallthe Native marathoner who conquered Bostonthat day, Lorén M. Spears will be there, passionately cheering for Thawn Harris, Brown's great-nephew, as he embarks on his first Boston Marathon. Brown's spirit, truly, runs on.