BOSTON MARATHON, 2004 Champions' Breakfast by Carol Goodrow Uta Pippig, Patti Dillon, Kathryn Switzer, Geoff Smith, Lorraine Moller, John A. Kelley, Jack Fultz, Sara Mae Berman, Keizo Yamada, Joan Samuelson, Jacqueline Hansen Click for 2004 adidas/B.A.A. Relay Challenge (Kids) Click for 2003 Champions' Breakfast Champions The Boston Marathon is full of tradition. Each year, past champions are brought back to the marathon and recognized at a breakfast - the Champions' Breakfast. This year Patti Dillon was brought back along with other Boston winners. Patti was a 3-time "runner-up" but is still considered to be one of the champions by Boston. You don't always have to be "the winner" to be a champion. April 17, 2004 Some of our long distance greats were honored at the pre-race festivities of the Boston Marathon by the Boston Athletic Association. 1979, 83RD BOSTON MARATHON: PATTI DILLON (Then Patti Lyons) Time: 2:38:22 (2 hours, 38 minutes, 22 seconds) Patti was the race favorite but was beaten by Joan Benoit (now Joan Samuelson). Age: 28 Country: U.S.A 1980, 84TH BOSTON MARATHON: PATTI DILLON (Then Patti Lyons) Time: 2:35:08 (2 hours, 35 minutes, 8 seconds) Patti thought she was the lead woman but was actually behind Jacqueline Gareau. 1981, 85TH BOSTON MARATHON: PATTI DILLON (Then Patti Lyons Catalano) Time: 2:27:51 (2 hours, 27 minutes, 52 seconds) Patti lead until Cleveland Circle (about 4 miles to the finish line). She was bruised after she ran into a horse ridden by a policeman who was controlling the traffic. She was then passed by New Zealand's Allison Roe. Patti broke an American record at this race but didn't win the Boston Marathon. Facts: This is the first time that Patti Dillon has been invited back to Boston to join in the festivities which are usually saved only for the winners. 2004: Patti is now in her fifties. She homeschools her children, Raven and Aaron, and coaches (along with her husband) a group of running children (ages 6-15) called the Connecticut Home School Harriers. Quote: "I am most proud of my first marathon win in Rhode Island, the Ocean State Marathon. It was life affirming, and I had the "I can do it" attitude after this accomplishment. I would win this race fives times in a row and set a course record each time, " Patti said in an interview with Kidsrunning.com earlier this year. . Patti's Kids: Happy and Healthy Running Kids 1984, 88TH BOSTON MARATHON: LORRAINE MOLLER Time: 2:29:28 (2 hours, 29 minutes, and 28 seconds) Age: 25 Country: New Zealand Facts: To win this race, Lorraine beat Allison Roe, also from New Zealand. Lorraine qualified for the first women's Olympics with her win at Boston. Lorraine Moller 2004: Lorraine is now very involved with a non-profit running association promoting Arthur Lydiard's techniques. 1984, 1985, 88TH and 89TH BOSTON MARATHONS: GEOFF SMITH Time: 2:10:34 (2 hours, 10 minutes, 34 seconds) and 2:14:05 (2 hours, 14 minutes, 5 seconds Age: 30,31 Country: England Facts: Geoff ran the 1984 race to qualify for the British Olympic team. In 1985, Geoff developed leg cramps and had to stop and walk, but he still managed to win the race. Dan Dillon, Patti's husband, was 8TH with a time of 2:23:50. 2004: Geoff is dedicated to promoting children's running. He works with a youth track team throughout the year. He recently had a hip replacement. This is allowing him to move around more comfortably. 1994, 1995, 1996 98TH, 99TH, and 100TH BOSTON MARATHON: UTA PIPPIG Time: 2:21:45 (2 hours, 21 minutes, and 45 seconds), 2:25:11, 2:27:12 Age: 28, 29, 30 Country: Germany Facts: In 1994, Uta Pippig ran for a course record, taking almost a full minute off Joan Benoit's 1983 win. In 1995, Uta took her next title, even with a foot injury. In 1996, Uta developed severe cramps but still took the win. Quote: "Always smile when you run," Uta said in an earlier interview with KidsRunning.Com. THE FESTIVITIES The Champions' Breakfast was a formal ceremony. It included the showing of the Champions' Video with clips from the four guests of honor's races. Keizo Yamada was presented with number 1953 (the year that he won) by Guy Morse, Executive Director of the Boston Marathon. Keizo has returned to the Boston Marathon every year since 1995. This will be his 10th consecutive year running (14TH overall and last Boston Marathon run). He hopes to take the 70-and-over age group division this year. The top seeds (last year's winners) of the race were also presented bib numbers. Also Ernst Van Dyk, South Africa and Christina Ripp of Illinois were honored by the presentation with bib numbers (W1). Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot of Kenya and women's favorite Catherine Ndereba of Kenya were presented with number ones as this year's top seeds. Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot and Catherine Ndereba Champions' Breakfast, 97 year-old John A. Kelley (1935, 1945 winner) breakfasts on fresh and a healthy muffin.