Ben Beach has run in every Boston Marathon since 1968. The streak will end on April 18.
Streaks in sports are varied. For instance, in 1990, Chris Dudley of the Nets missed 13 straight free throws. On the other hand, the 1986-1990 UNC women’s soccer team racked up 103 straight wins and, in basketball, the University of Connecticut women won 90 consecutive games from 2008 to 2010.
Courtesy YouTube
Some of us still celebrate Cal Ripken, Jr.’s consecutive games-played streak of 2,632 as one of the most outstanding accomplishments in the game. But we can also moan about poor Bill Bergen’s 48 consecutive at-bat hitless streak in 1909, and the 207 straight losses suffered by the Cal Tech basketball team from 1996 to 2007.
When you think of unimaginable streaks like that, think of the 91 straight boxing victories registered by Sugar\Ray Robinson from 1943 to 1952. And Edwin Moses, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, won 122 straight high hurdle wins from 1977-to 1987. Just as amazing is that Moses did ut with a time that most runners can’t do on a flat 400 meters.
But those 122 wins seem like peanuts when compared to the 555 straight squash match wins that Jahangir Kahn captured from 1982 to 1996. While that feat isn’t lodged in most memory banks, here’s one that is–Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak in 1941.
Okay, I can hear you wince because my list doesn’t include your favorite streak. For sure, my list (or any list) is open to criticism. But know that I’m not trying to be inclusive, simply suggestive. So please add your favorite streak to the list.
Beach running in 1981 (photo, Orlando Sentinel)
But before I leave, I want to mention a streak that ends in a few days–next Monday on Patriot’s Day at the Boston Marathon, to be specific. It started in 1968 when Ben Beach, a Harvard freshman at the time, ran the Marathon. Soon after, Beach began training seriously. By 1981 he ran a 2:27 and, in 1985, he finished in the top 50. Beach had become an accomplished runner who, as he matured, became an outstanding runner.
Over time the great equalizer of all athletes—age and injuries—took their toll. His 2:27 of 1981 became a slog of over 5 hours in 2021 running. Still, for 54 consecutive Patriot Days, Beach ran the race. But after a dangerous fall from his bicycle, he will not run this year. Beach’s consecutive participation record will end.
Streaks vary considerably because of situation and circumstance. But no matter when, where, or how it is done, let’s not forget this: any streak in any sport becomes the property of the athlete or team, and that ownership gives history to the accomplishment. Ben Beach included.
