The Washington times., 1908-07-27
Marathon Winner Hayes
Typical New York Boy

NEW YORK, July "a little over
nineteen years ago in the shadow OF
Cochran's Roost, John J. Hayes. winner
of the Marathon race at the Olympic
games, first saw the light. There
were no bells on his initiation-in fact.
his coming didn't even interfere with
the weeks wash. He was an incident
OF the day in a crowded tenement,
and he started out on a humble career
without even a dimple to distinguish
him from the polyglot group Of little
ones on the block. He was a wee bit
of a boy, but strong in limb and lungs,
and he weathered the first lap Of life
with a fine scorn for Group and measles
in time he toddied down the dark stair
way to the fresh air Of the great out
side world.
Running Abilities Crop Out.
At six he showed a penchant for run
ming away. a ships anchor could not
hold him to the stoop. Around the
block he romped, never firing. At ten
he wore medals-the Tin ones the boys
make and give to the winners. Of back
yard races At fifteen his. eye was on
the ST. Bartholomew Club in East Forty
second street. and at sixteen he was a
full-hedged member.
\ month ago this same slender 1875
pound boy took ship for England He
was not unknown. In Nav last he had
shown his mettIe in the Boston Mara
thOn, when he finished second to J. p
MOrrissey. But few OF lis friends be-
heved that he would write his name
in the history Of world athletics by
winning the great Olympic Marathon.
Said a Year Ago He'd Win.
\ year ago he said he would win it.
In the little room he shared with his
cousin. Pat Hayes. on the top floor OF
ne East Forty-fourth street. he
prOphssied a victory.
Pat" he said, twelve months ago,
you viii live to see me win the Mar
athon in England. Tomorrow 1 viii
begin to train"
No rs is a typical five-story tene-
ment- L is tall, narrow, and dark. The
sunshine hits the front and dies In
the shadows OF the windows. The mid
die is as dark and dank as an unlighted
subway, But the Hayes apartment is
filed with laughter and song, inspired
by twenty cana-ies. the hobby of John
Hayes uncle Pat. Il is a Boor mars
humble home, but it is the wholesome
and home-lilce abode OF strong and big
hearted people.
Pat Hayes is a baker. He is heal Of
the Bakers Union. Three years ago
when John Hayes lost mis- father, four
Years after MS mother died. Pat Hayes
toOt the boy in. IN the Green Isle Pat
lad been something Of an athlete him
self, and he encouraged Its nephew
lie provided q tTa;EilS table If eggs
r. the morning, ana good, substantial
Vt getables n night for the boy, and
gave the lad the benefit OF all his old
schooling At ID o's.ock every ni,ht
the coming worlds champion was
tucked away in bed. and n every
morning he was lp AMI out
After the near victory at Boston 1T
tie John Hayes received a royal greet
irs whe he returned 20 his work I'm
BloOmingdale store. lie inucuIate5
the sreat bazd- with the spirit Of ath-
letiCs until when the time came near
for him TO depart for England. even
the pretty salesgiTls joined n the en-
thusiasm. Every Sunday and also on
saturday, afternoon the hoy went toi
Celtic Park, but to further asd him
Samuel Bloomingdale and Superinten-
dent Joseph Reilly fixed a roof garden
track for him. and every day ne was
sent up 10 go through his PAGES.
Friends Celebrate the Victory.
TWO weeks before he was 10 sail for
England he went TO camp with the
Twelfth Regiment. He was fit for the
race Of his life ard sure OF victory.
When the news came yesterday that
he had woE there were three distinct
explosions IN Manhattan - one in
Bloomingdale store. one across the
street at the Irish-AnIerican Athletic
Club and one ct 219 East Forty-fourth
street.
Prestoi and the front OF the irish
American club was clothed in a ming