As runners take to the streets for the New York City Marathon, the cowbell rings out as an iconic sound of support. Jack Fleming of the Boston Athletic Association notes that the cowbell is a staple of marathon cheering, though its origins remain unclear. Theories suggest it descended from farmers guiding herds or from European ski racing families using barn bells to cheer racers.
Elisabeth Halvorson, a cowbell expert, explains that in Alpine regions, families used cowbells in winter to locate cattle and later repurposed them for ski races when mittens couldn't clap. The tradition likely moved from skiing to cycling and then to road racing. Cici Bevin of Bevin Bells confirms that most of their production now goes to event cheering rather than livestock.
Carey Pinkowski of the Chicago Marathon recalls cowbells appearing in the late 1990s, noting their popularity as cheap, customizable, and durable souvenirs. Despite causing blisters for some, the cowbell remains a favorite for its one-handed usability and reusable nature, allowing fans to cheer while hydrating or checking phones.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing