Mourning the loss of Johnny Kelley

Without a doubt, a name in the sport of running and marathoning that we all know: Johnny Kelley

Johnny Kelley, a two-time Olympian who won the 1957 Boston Marathon died Sunday morning in North Stonington. He was 80. Often referred to as Kelley the Younger, to avoid confusion with John A. Kelley, who won the 1935 and 1945 Boston Marathon


After the pinnacle of his career as a runner, he went on to a successful career as high school running coach. At Fitch High School in Groton, Connecticut, Kelley coached Amby Burfoot, winner of the 1968 Boston Marathon.

I can still recall meeting Johnny Kelley on the morning of the Boston Marathon in Hopkinton as he was driven through the field of waiting, anxious runners on a golf cart - and then met him again nearly 10 years later in Cape Cod at the Johnny Kelley road race in Orleans. The most striking memory I have of Johnny Kelley in the very little interaction I had with him, was during the award ceremony of that same Johnny Kelley road race event.

Seeing him start the race and walking among the runners caused an excitement like no other, that I had experienced at a road race. While it might have been more expected and typical for the local runners who have known him, when Mr Kelley came up to the podium after the race, I expected to hear inspirational words for the runners completing the race or words of congratulations to the winners. But no. As he slowly made his way to the front of the stage to the sound of thunderous applause, he proceeded not to speak, but to sing, "Young at Heart". 

He led the crowd in a chorus or two. Nodded in appreciation and with a slight wave, exited the stage again to applause and teary-eyed runners.

Sad to see the loss of such an inspirational figure in the running community.

http://www.theday.com/article/20110822/NWS01/308229967/1070/biz

Summer is slipping away

Can't believe in less than 3 weeks it'll be Labor Day! Summer is near its end - Fall racing is upon us, which means cooler weather for running (I'm sure everyone in Dallas is looking forward to that!) and of course a whole smattering of fall races 5Ks, 10Ks and Marathons (oh my!)

If you ran consistently throughout the summer and dedicated those early, hot mornings to running with the sunrise or on the beach while on vacation -- then why not put those miles to use in a fall event!

Haven't signed up for one yet?
There's plenty to choose from......what are you running?

I did a quick search at Runners World calendar for half- and marathon events between 9/1 and 11/30.
It returned a total of 398 possible events!
There's plenty out there to pick from which are still open -- but hurry!!

Great run for great cause....Sunday October 2

A XC team mate shared this with me...and wanted to pass it along to all of you.

For every day that we are stuggling to get in a good run, race a PR, or even get motivated to get out of bed in the morning to workout there's someone else out there who is fighting against a terrible disease. Please read Ian's story and consider pledging your support.

This race/fundraiser is for a Coach/Guidance Counselor in my district who was diagnosed with a stage 4 Glioblastoma. There is a 5K and 25K race option.

Progin's Players is a walking and running team dedicated to providing support for the Progin family. Ian Progin, husband of Courtney (Sinclair) Progin and father of Jeffery (age 2) and Payton (age 5), was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma in early May. A lifelong resident of Hillsborough, a guidance counselor and head boy's basketball coach at HHS, Rutgers Graduate and former RU basketball player, Ian is loved by everyone who has ever met him.

For more information, visit:  http://www.infaspire.com/proginsplayers/

You can also “Like” the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/proginsplayers