Vintage Media

The 1952 Olympic 5,000 Meter Final - Emil Zátopek Runs His Greatest Race

The legendary Czech Locomotive demonstrates his incredible will to overcome any obstacle in this classic footage from the 1952 Helsinki Olympic games.

This footage shows the bell lap of the race. To set the scene, Zátopek has just surged into the lead in an attempt to break away from Herbert Schade (GER), Chris Chataway (GBR) and Alain Mimoun (FRA). The final 400 meters contain all the drama that an Olympic race can offer.

1952 Olympic 5,000 Meter Video
Running Time 1:15
We have two file sizes available:

Medium Windows Media Player File - 2.48 MB download < Medium Resolution
Large Windows Media Player File - 5.52 MB download < High Resolution

While you're waiting for the file to download click here to read Bill Squire's inspirational account of this last lap. It's worth it!

The 1964 Olympic 5,000 Meter Final

History was made with the running of the 5000m Final at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. The field was packed with gold medalists and world record holders including Ron Clarke of Australia, Kip Keino of Kenya and Michel Jazy of France. The US was represented by Bill Dellinger and Bob Schul.

On this video clip you will see the final three laps of the race, perhaps the most exciting finish in American distance running history.

1964 Olympic 5,000 Meter Video
Running Time 3:20

A vintage newsreel of the 1961 Boston Marathon has been acquired by Running Past. The short film covers the duel between Eino "The Ox" Oksanen of Finland and Johnny Kelley (The Younger).

The action is presented in classic newsreel style, with humorous commentary and cheesy "sports" music. We witness 166 runners at the start in Hopkinton, the leaders progressing through Framingham, Natick and past the Wellesley College girls, all in glorious black & white.

Kelley and Oksanen are seen battling over the Newton Hills and the infamous dog that would trip Kelley and decide the race makes a cameo appearance.

1961 Boston Marathon Highlights Video
Running Time 3:08
We have three file sizes available:

Small RealMedia File - 854K download < Low Resolution
Medium RealMedia File - 2.44MB download < Medium Resolution
Large RealMedia File - 5.36MB download < High Resolution

Don't have the RealMedia Player? Download it here for free.

1961 Boston Marathon Results

1959 Boston Marathon Highlights

Acquired, transferred and digitized for your enjoyment, here is newsreel footage of the 1959 Boston Marathon battle between Eino "The Ox" Oksanen of Finland and Johnny Kelley (The Younger).

This clip features some excellent slow-motion footage as Oksanen plays out his strategy of sitting on Kelley's shoulder, just waiting to unleash his kick.

1959 Boston Marathon Highlights Video
Running Time 1:44
We have two file sizes available:

Small MPEG - 3.02 MB download < Low Resolution
Large MPEG - 5.73 MB download < High Resolution

1930 Boston Marathon Highlights - Clarence DeMar wins his 7th Boston

Newsreel footage provides a rare glimpse of the great Clarence DeMar, at age 41, winning his 7th Boston Marathon. 216 entrants are shown leaving Hopkinton and Clarence DeMar leads the way to Boston, welcomed by his American Legion buddies and the Governor.

1930 Boston Marathon Highlights
Running Time 1:02
We have two file sizes available:

Medium Windows Media Player File - 2.013 MB download < Medium Resolution
Large Windows Media Player File - 3.916 MB download < High Resolution