Dick Beardsley Run Hompage
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HISTORY

The Dick Beardsley 1/2 Marathon & 5K Run/Walk was developed to honor former  Detroit Lakes resident and Marathon Legend Dick Beardsley. It also makes a perfect tune-up run for the Twin Cities Marathon.

Dick is well known throughout the running world.  He still holds the course record for Duluth's famous Grandma’s Marathon. He is also the owner of the fifth fastest men's marathon in U.S. History.  Dick's most famous run was probably his second place finish to Alberto Salazar in what is known throughout the marathon world as "The Duel in the Sun" in the 1982 Boston Marathon.

Dick is a compelling speaker at races, schools, corporations, and non-profits all over North America. In 2002, the University of Minnesota Press published his autobiography, Staying the Course. In 2002, Dick also received the Minnesota Meeting & Events Assoc. "Best Speaker Award."

Dick is now living in Austin, Texas, and has started an online coaching program. He has been the host of a marathon running camp since 2003, held each September at Rainbow Resort in Waubun, MN.

Dick's newest venture is the creation of the Dick Beardsley Foundation, which helps addicts obtain treatment. He also travels to schools throughout the country to talk to kids about addiction. To learn more about this foundation, go to www.dickbeardsleyfoundation.org.

 The race has legendary guest runners each year.  Some of the past participants are: Alberto Salazar, Carrie Tollefson, Joan Benoit Samuelson. Who will be this year’s Legend?


DICK BEARDSLEY BIO

  • Two-time champion, 1981 & 1982 - Grandma's Marathon

  • Course record holder (2:09:37) - 1981 Grandma's Marathon

  • Champion and course record holder (2:16:20) - 1987 Napa Valley Marathon

  • 1981 London Marathon champion (2:11:48)

  • Second-place finish - "The Duel in the Sun" - Boston 1982 - (2:08:53)

  • Fifth-fastest US male marathoner

  • Two-time Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier - 1980 & 1988

  • Guinness Book of World Records - Only man to have ever run 13 consecutive personal bests in the marathon

  • Robert E. DeCelle Award for US Outstanding Distance Runner - 1982

  • Road Runners Club of America Hall of Fame - inducted 1989

  • Runner's World Magazine "Comeback Runner of the Year" - 1990

  • Runner's World Magazine 25th Anniversary "Profile in Courage" Award - 1991

  • National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame inducted 1989 

  • Member, Team New Balance

  • Expert coach for Chicago's Joints in Motion Team of the Arthritis Foundation


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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