Bob Hall has died. The father of wheelchair racing made Boston Marathon history.

"Bob Hall, the only wheelchair athlete in the race's 2,365-person field, couldn't help but crack a smile, even as he sweated his way uphill near Mile 18."

"Mr. Hall, who died April 12 at 74, was the Boston Marathon's first official wheelchair champion, crossing the finish line in 1975 in a lightly modified hospital-style chair."

"Mr. Hall 'changed the game' through his racing, chair designs and advocacy for wheelchair athletes, said Jack Fleming, the president and chief executive of the Boston Athletic Association."

"Thanks in part to Mr. Hall, he said, 51 wheelchair racers will take to the starting line at Monday's Boston Marathon, almost 51 years to the day after Mr. Hall first raced there."

Bob Hall, who passed away at 74, was the first official wheelchair champion of the Boston Marathon, finishing in 1975. He played a crucial role in promoting inclusivity in the sport, urging marathon organizers to create wheelchair divisions. Hall also designed and manufactured racing chairs, leading to advancements in wheelchair technology. His contributions significantly impacted wheelchair racing, inspiring future champions. Today, 51 wheelchair racers will participate in the Boston Marathon, a testament to Hall's legacy in the sport.

Read at The Washington Post