Jerome Drayton: A Legacy in Long-Distance Running

TORONTO — Jerome Drayton, a pivotal figure in the world of long-distance running and former holder of the Canadian marathon record, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 80. Known for his historic victory at the Boston Marathon in 1977, Drayton’s influence on the sport will be remembered for generations.

An Unfortunate Passing

Drayton died on Monday in Toronto near Cardinal Funeral Homes. According to reports from Runners World magazine, the legend passed away during a procedure for knee surgery. His unexpected death has left the running community in shock, mournfully recalling his contributions to the sport.

A Trailblazer for Canadian Athletics

Inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1978, Jerome Drayton secured 12 national titles and set an impressive 13 records across various distances during his athletic career. From shorter track events to the grueling marathon, he demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for long-distance running, paving the way for future Canadian athletes.

A New Identity and Love for Running

Originally born Peter Buniak on January 10, 1945, in Kolbermoore, Germany, to Ukrainian parents, Drayton immigrated to Canada with his mother in 1956. At 24, he officially changed his name to Jerome Peter Drayton, a decision he made to distance himself from his past. “I always liked the name Jerome,” he remarked in a past interview, explaining that he chose Drayton from a list of potential surnames found in a phonebook.

The Marathon Journey

Drayton’s journey into running began in high school when he attempted to impress a girl. What started as an innocent endeavor evolved into an illustrious 18-year career filled with remarkable achievements. He made his marathon debut in Detroit with aspirations of qualifying for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Achieving the Olympic standard by a narrow margin, he quickly established himself as a force in the marathon scene.

Record-Setting Performances

Jerome Drayton gained national recognition in 1969 when he clinched victory at the Motor City Marathon, setting a North American record. This winning momentum continued as he secured another North American record at the Fukuoka Marathon later that year, earning accolades as the world’s top marathon runner by Track and Field News. Drayton’s persevering spirit led him to set the Canadian marathon record of two hours, ten minutes, and nine seconds in 1975, a remarkable achievement that would remain unbroken for 43 years.

Victory at the Boston Marathon

In a historic turn, Drayton became the first Canadian in nearly three decades to claim victory at the Boston Marathon in 1977. Despite his outstanding performance of 2:14:46, Drayton expressed dissatisfaction following the race, criticizing the event’s conditions and lack of competition at that time. This candidness further demonstrated his dedication to the sport and the high standards he set for himself.

A Lasting Influence on Canadian Athletics

After retiring from competitive racing, Jerome Drayton continued to contribute to the athletic community as a consultant for the Sports and Fitness Division of Ontario’s Ministry of Youth, Culture and Recreation. His passion for running remained evident throughout his life as he remained committed to nurturing the next generation of athletes.