Jerome Drayton, who held Canadian marathon record for 43 years, dead at 80

Legendary long-distance runner Jerome Drayton, known for his historic win at the Boston Marathon in 1977 and holding the Canadian men’s marathon record for an impressive 43 years, has passed away at the age of 80. His unexpected death occurred during knee surgery in Toronto, as reported by Cardinal Funeral Homes. Drayton, who was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1978, left behind a lasting legacy in the world of running.

Born as Peter Buniak on January 10, 1945, in Kolbermoore, Germany, Drayton immigrated to Canada in 1956 and later changed his name. He first gained attention in 1969 by setting a North American record at the Motor City Marathon and then went on to win the Fukuoka Marathon in Japan the same year, once again breaking a North American record.

Throughout his illustrious career, Drayton claimed an impressive total of 12 national titles and set 13 records across various distances, solidifying his reputation as one of Canada’s greatest runners. In 1970, he even set a world record on the track in the men’s 10-mile event with a remarkable time of 46:37:6.

Drayton’s most notable achievement came in December 1975 when he set the Canadian marathon record of 2:10:09 at the Fukuoka Marathon, a record that stood unbroken for 43 years until Cam Levins surpassed it in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2018. Drayton also made his mark by finishing sixth in the Olympic marathon in Montreal the following year.

In 1977, Drayton made history by becoming the first Canadian in nearly three decades to win the prestigious Boston Marathon. His success continued as he went on to win a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games the following year. Even after retiring from competitive running, Drayton remained active in the athletic community, serving as a consultant with the Sports and Fitness Division of Ontario’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Recreation.

The impact of Jerome Drayton’s contributions to the sport of running will be felt for generations to come. His remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to the sport have left an indelible mark on Canadian athletics. Rest in peace, Jerome Drayton, a true legend in the world of distance running.