At the time it was run, the race was not known by a proper name.

[1] It took place on April 19, 1897, and was run from Ashland to Boston, Massachusetts, over a distance of 24.5 miles (39.4 km).

[2] A contemporary report in The Boston Globe stated 15 runners competed in the race, although 18 entrants were listed.

[1] The Boston Athletic Association states there were 15 runners.

[2] † alias H. Franklin Dick Grant of Harvard also ran in the race, but was one of multiple entrants who did not finish.