How Heartbreak Hill Got Its Name at the Boston Marathon

On Monday, April 20, 2026, thousands of runners will hit the pavement as they take part in the 130th Boston Marathon.

A Boston Marathon Tradition

Even if you’re not running, you know this storied race and some of the signature aspects of it. I'm talking clever signs, the iconic yellow and blue painted finish line, and the infamous "Heartbreak Hill."

But did you know that the term "Heartbreak Hill" has Rhode Island ties?

Who Was Ellison ‘Tarzan’ Brown?

Ellison "Tarzan" Brown was a Native American runner born in Westerly, RI. He won the Boston Marathon twice, in 1936 and 1939.

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It was a moment during the 1936 race that is forever cemented in marathon history.

The Moment That Made History

Brown and fellow runner John E. Kelley were going back and forth taking the lead when, on Heartbreak Hill, Kelley pulled ahead and eventually won the race.

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Why It’s Called Heartbreak Hill

Reporter Jerry Nason was the first to use the term "Heartbreak Hill" because Brown broke Kelley's heart there.

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A bronze statue of Brown currently stands in a Westerly gallery before being permanently installed at Westerly’s Rooney Park this spring.

Where Heartbreak Hill Sits on the Course

The hill itself isn’t especially long, but it hits runners at a brutal point in the race, in between the 20- and 21-mile markers along the route.

Best of luck to the 24,362 qualifiers who are taking on Heartbreak Hill and running the Boston Marathon this year.