Long time runner and race walker John Gray passed away on January 10 at the age of 88. A member of the North Medford Club, John competed in the Boston Marathon 34 times with 6 top-35 place finishes. He finished 11th in the 1964 Olympic Trials marathon held in Yonkers NY. He was also an avid race walker, earning many New England championship and national age group medals and writing a book, "Racewalking for Fun and Fitness". A schoolteacher and coach in Massachusetts through much of his life, John closed his career on Cape Cod working as the sports editor of the Cape Codder in Orleans for twelve years.
John Gray is standing (left) next to Paul Schell in the 1993 photo above. Kneeling is Rick Bayko. It was the last time I saw John. Rest in Peace, old friend.
And here's a photo of John and I back in 1967. We are both standing. Gary O'Zias is in the photo with us.
