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Saint Louis CitySide - an overview of the City Government of Saint Louis
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 St. Louis Front Page presents St. Louis CitySide, an overview of the City Government of Saint Louis. From time to time, we will take an indepth look at many of the projects in which the city is involved and how these projects will affect residents and visitors. |
Women's Marathon Trials
Text and photos by Bob Moore, SLFP.com
In a press conference at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, site of the 1904 World's Fair, St. Louis Sports Commission President Frank Viverito stated that "We genuinely tried to impress upon the Long Distance Running Committee how much the Marathon Trials will mean to our community. In no other city but St. Louis will the 2004 Trials carry as much significance or historical relevance." St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, stated that "What makes the announcement of this occasion so exciting is that it was a community-wide effort. I think the best thing we have going for us here in St. Louis are the people." The Mayor commented that having the Trials in Forest Park would be a great way to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the World's Fair and the Olympics. "It will be an opportunity to showcase the City and our region. We will work hard to make sure our City shines during the Trials and throughout the year-long celebration," stated the Mayor. Mayor Slay pointed out that the City would provide the much needed support to make sure the Trials are a tremendous success. "We will work to make sure that the people who come here will enjoy themselves and that it will be a memorable oc for everyone involved." Former U.S. Senator Jack Danforth, chairman of St. Louis 2004, stated that "Back in 1996, we as a community, began to realize that the year 2004 was going to be very special year for St. Louis." He noted that as the result of a long planning process the 2004 Trials will be a cornerstone to the region's yearlong civic celebration marking the centennial of the 1904 Olympics and World's Fair, and the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Danforth added that over the next few months, major institutions would be announcing other events corresponding with the 2004 Centennial Celebration that would put St. Louis on the map. "I think it is just terrific that as part of the announcement today something is going to be happening right here in Forest Park," said Danforth.
Nancy Lieberman, president of the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend stated that "The 2004 Trials can serve as a springboard as we look to attract more runners to our own St. Louis Marathon and elevate its profile both locally and nationally." "I just wonder what the thirty-two men who started in the 1904 Marathon, on that hot day, would think of if they knew that women would be leading the pack one hundred years later in 2004," summarized Lieberman. Following the conference, local historian June Westbeck, described how the winner of the first St. Louis marathon was so weak that he could barely stand to receive his medal. She related how he had been given a potion consisting of brandy and strychnine to help him finish. "Thomas Hicks had been given this potion somewhere along Forsyth in the last five miles coming into the stadium because they could tell that he was barely going to make it. He crossed the finish line, but was so out of it, he couldn't stand to receive his trophy." She explained that the Marathon winner was sent by streetcar to the MAC and the following day, came back to Forest Park to receive his trophy. "Remember, in 1904, all the winners of the track and field events not only got medals, they also got a beautiful large silver cup. He was an experienced, trained runner who came in second in the Boston Marathon in 1904," she said. Since 1979, Westbeck has been researching the events of the 1904 World's Fair and especially the Marathon. In describing one of several photos on display in the Grand Hall, she said that there were approximately twelve cars that went along in the marathon, each driven by a prominent St. Louisan and carrying a doctor. "The good thing was that if they needed medical help, the doctor was there on the course. The bad thing was that the cars kicked up a lot of rocks and dust which caused a lot of problems with the runners. The cars became interspersed with the runners and they choked. Only fourteen runners finished," said Westbeck.  Related Archived News:  Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Site DedicatedMississippi River Trail DedicatedMayor Slay, Multi-Faith Religious Leaders Encourage Religious ToleranceTaking Stock of Our City and Our RegionMissouri Attorney General Stops Internet Auction FraudSt. Louis/East St. Louis Joint Economic Development Initiative Receives Nearly $3 Million in FundingSecond Annual Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend AnnouncedFrancis G. Slay Wins St. Louis by LandslideMike Chance, GOP Candidate for Mayor, Part IIMike Chance, GOP Candidate for Mayor, Part ICourt Order Stops Landlords from Renting Condemned PropertyMissouri Energy Task Force Formed/ Nixon to Host Ethics ConferenceSchlichter to Head Development of New Convention Hotel ProjectPresidential Race Remains Extremely TightFinal Countdown to the DebateAnatomy of a RenaissanceWash U Presidential DebateToys R Us SettlementSt. Louis 'Best Sports City'Regus Business Center OpensMississippi River CrossingEnvironmental AwardsMounted Police StableConvention Hotel Is a Go!Wake Up and Smell the IncentivesRebuilding Commumities CampaignRegional Tax BillFoundation for HealthInternet Crime BillDowntown Open for BusinessMississippi River BridgeSoulard Market's Future
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