Ellison ‘Tarzan’ Brown

Ellison ‘Tarzan’ Brown was a Native American from the Narragansett Tribe located in Rhode Island. Tarzan won the Boston Marathon in 1936 & 1939. He is the reason “Heartbreak Hill” got its name. In the 1936 Boston Marathon, Brown was leading the race when he reached the challenging Newton hills. Johnny Kelley, the defending champion, caught up to Brown and gave him a friendly pat on the back, signaling his intent to overtake him. This gesture spurred Brown to dig deep and push harder. He surged ahead, leaving Keley behind and ultimately won the race. A journalist that day would write that the moment broke the Kelley’s heart. Ever since, because of Brown, it has been called Heartbreak Hill.

In addition, he was part of the US Olympic team in 1936 in Berlin, Germany staying in the lead for 17 miles until he was sidelined by a hernia. Brown won several other marathons. More than twice Tarzan won both marathons in two different states within a 24-hour period. He is a legend in his own right. 

Plans for a statue of Brown are underway, with efforts being led by his grandchildren and supported by the 26.2 Foundation.

“Ellison ‘Tarzan’ Brown’s sculpture is important because he gives inspiration & hope to people of all backgrounds and ages. Who would have known that a little Native American boy, raised in poverty, from the smallest state on the map, would go on to become a winner and a hero. Although he had many roles in his life, he was always a man with strong love for his family. His proudest accomplishment was being a grandpa.”

- The Brown Family

For more information, contact: TarzanBrownMarathon@gmail.com