1942 Boston Marathon Results

Jan Palson

20 Apr 2026 — 3 min read

Boston Marathon Winner 1942 - Joseph Smith with wife Isabel

On April 19, 1942, Bernard Joseph Smith #5 a milkman from Medford, Massachusetts wins the 46th Boston Marathon. He finished in a record breaking 2:26:51.2 then had a coffee and cigarette returning to work the next day. He was not favored to win although he was national champion. He had been sick and didn't train as much. But his wife, Isabel knew he would because he was grumpy in the morning. He credited her with his win, as he should. Isabel was waiting at the finish line so he couldn't wait to get there. He was inspired. Everyone should have true love like that. The marathon is on the same day every year: Happy Patriot's Day!! There is a parade that Dad will be marching in and Mom will come up to spectate - it's a great time, considering.

Mr. Smith Wins the Boston Marathon

In 1942, there are 144 men entered into the Boston Marathon since a lot of runners have been drafted into the services. And yes, only men. For the first time in history, it's on a Sunday. And since 1897, it's the third time during a war.

Good luck to all entrants in today's Boston Marathon!

Today, April 20, 2026, there are est. 30,000 entrants both men and women from 137 countries in the 130th Boston Marathon. One of them is my nephew Bradley. Good Luck Brad!!!

NOTE: in 1942, milkmen would park their vehicles due to gas and tire shortages and complete their routes running from house to house. Although B. Joseph Smith would deny he benefited since houses on his route were close together, it didn't hurt. He broke the record after all.

Love the celebratory kiss of Mr. and Mrs. Smith below. And check out how happy the Globe Marathon writers and photographer at bottom are in the Studebaker Skyway Sedan courtesy of the H.B. Liggett Company... Perks.

Hard to believe that it wasn't until 1972 that women were officially allowed to enter the Boston Marathon. In 1967, Katherine Switzer became the first women to enter officially - sort of. The rules did not mention gender but still, men tried to push her out of the race. Physically tried to push her out. Read more in the link below:

NOTE: in 1966, Bobbi Gibb had tried to enter the race officially but had been rejected by BAA Director who claimed women were physiologically incapable of running 26 miles. Gibb completed the 1966 race ahead of two-thirds of the runners with a time of 3:21:40, having entered the course near the starting pen in the middle of the pack. However, Gibb was not an official entrant.

For overall news - here's the front page.