Dick Beardsley

Dick Beardsley is a motivational/inspirational speaker and is a best selling author and champion - in running and in life. www.dickbeardsley.com

Although his competitive running career as an elite athlete ended in 1988, Dick is the 3rd fastest American born runner and he still has the 5th fastest U.S. men's marathon time in history. Best known for his 1982 Boston Marathon "Duel in the Sun" with Alberto Salazar, Dick is also a two-time Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier. He is a two-time winner and course record holder of the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota and has won the London and Napa Valley marathons.

But Dick is more than a running champion. He is a fighter. After a series of near-fatal accidents and a journey of self-discovery, Dick has turned his life around. Today, Dick, with two knee replacements is enjoying his running more than ever.

Dick's Accomplishments

Inducted into the National Distance Running Hall of Fame - 2010

2009 The Running Event Hall of Fame & Lifetime Achievement Award Winner.

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

Minnesota Meeting & Events Assoc. "Best Speaker Award"

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

Minnesota Track and Field Hall of Fame - 2001

2006 and 2007 RRCA National Masters Marathon Champion