John Joseph Hayes was an American athlete, a member of the Irish American Athletic Club, and winner of the marathon race at the 1908 Summer Olympics. Hayes' Olympic victory contributed to the early growth of long-distance running and marathoning in the United States. He was also the first man to win a marathon at the now official standard distance of 26 miles 385 yards when Olympic officials lengthened the distance to put the finish line in front of the Royal Box.
Johnny Hayes in 1908
Johnny Hayes, wearing the Winged Fist of the Irish American Athletic Club, posing for a studio portrait shortly after his 1908 Olympic Marathon victory.
Statue of Hayes and two other Olympic gold medalists (Matt McGrath and Bob Tisdall) in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, Ireland
Hayes running in the White Stadium near the finish line
Irish American Athletic Club
The Irish American Athletic Club was an amateur athletic organization, based in Queens, New York, at the beginning of the 20th century.
John Eller, Abel Kiviat and John J. Reynolds of the Irish American Athletic Club, posing for a 1912 U.S. Olympic team photo.
Irish Whales: Pat McDonald and Matt McGrath of the Irish American Athletic Club, posing for a 1912 U.S. Olympic team photo.
