Johnny Miles’ legacy honoured

WESTVILLE ROAD, N.S. – In 2018, the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame confirmed Johnny Miles “Nova Scotia’s Marathon King” as the seventh-greatest athlete in provincial history.

Miles was born in Sydney Mines, and, as a young, long-distance runner, travelled to Boston and won the 1926 and 1929 Boston Marathons.

A Johnny Miles “Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame Sweater,” autographed by and recognizing the 15 greatest athletes in provincial history, was recently donated to the Pictou County YMCA by John Lynn, co-chairman, Johnny Miles Foundation, and Roy Williston, son of the late Dr. John “Miles” Williston.

Johnny Miles’ legacy continues to be the inspiration for many Nova Scotians to live healthy active lifestyles.

His athletic accomplishments and values are honoured annually through the Johnny Miles Running Events in Pictou County, the Johnny Miles Festival in Sydney Mines, and the Johnny Miles Scholarship given annually to a worthy student at Cape Breton University.

The framed sweater honouring the late Johnny Miles was unveiled in its permanent display at the Pictou Wellness Centre on March 19.

Miles is a member of the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame, the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame, the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and is a inductee to the Order of Canada.