Jerry Dunn (runner)

Photo of Jerry Dunn, America's Marathon Man
Jerry Dunn

Jerry Alan Dunn (born January 29, 1946) is an American athlete dubbed "America's Marathon Man" by Jim Murray of the LA Times.[1] His running career began in 1975 and has spanned 48 years, breaking world records along the way [2] and seeing the creation of nationally acclaimed events.

Early life

Dunn was 18 years old when his father died of a coronary heart attack, courtesy of an unhealthy lifestyle.[3] Dunn attributes this event to be a precursor to what would become a 25-year drinking career and evolution into a high-functioning alcoholic.[4]

At age 29, he moved to Sarasota, FL, to build and manage a very successful restaurant operation. He also answered a pesky challenge by a lifeguard friend to run along the beach with him and the other lifeguards on their daily training runs..  He did so for a half mile, barefoot, and from that moment on he was a running convert.[5]

On Dunn's 37th birthday, he finally admitted to having a problem with alcohol.  "I turned to running as my replacement addiction," Dunn says, "and I haven't stopped since then. Over the years, my passion for running has led me to a career, and a new lifestyle."[4]

Running Accolades

  • 1981 – Ran the Philadelphia Marathon, Dunn's first sanctioned marathon. (3:34:22)[1]
  • 1989 – Ran a benefit run for Habitat for Humanity titled Across the State in 28.  Dunn ran from the Illinois/Indiana state line to the Indiana/Ohio state line, 50 mi per day for 3 days.
Jerry Dunn shakes President Jimmy Carter's hand.
Jerry Dunn shakes President Jimmy Carter's hand.
  • 1991 - Dunn ran a benefit run for Habitat for Humanity titled Shore to Shore in 104''.  It consisted of a marathon a day, 6 days a week for 15 weeks, which got him from San Francisco to DC in 104 days.  He did have to cycle a portion of the trek due to injuries. For his efforts he earned a personal audience with President Jimmy Carter.[4]
  • 1993 – Dunn ran 104 marathons in a year, breaking the then-current world record of 101.[2]
  • 1996 – Ran the Boston Marathon course each morning for 25 days prior to the 100th running of the Boston Marathon and completed his Marathon of Marathons by toeing the line of THE RUN OF THE CENTURY.[2]
  • 1997 – Ran the LA Marathon for 14 days straight prior to the 15th anniversary of the Los Angeles Marathon, running number 15 on race day.
  • 1998 – Again, ran the L A Marathon course for 15 days in a row before running the event's 16th anniversary.
  • 1998 – For the 28 days, prior to the 29th Anniversary of The NYC Marathon, Dunn did the original NYC Marathon course in Central Park. On race day he ran the world renowned NYC Marathon's 29th edition for his 29th day in a row. Setting a new personal best for consecutive days running a marathon.
  • 200 in 2000 – Upping the ante, Dunn set a goal to run 200 marathons in the year 2000. All of which were run on each city's actual course.  His fastest time completed was on the 200th day. It was the HOPS Marathon by Tampa Bay in 4:05:30. While he fell short of his 200 marathon goal, Dunn still completed 186 marathons.... at age 54...in one calendar year.[5]
  • 2006 – Dunn ran 60 miles on his 60th birthday, raising money for a climbing wall at the local middle school.[4]
  • 2007 – Dunn was awarded the Special Achievement Award from South Dakota's Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Association for his creation of the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon and Lean Horse Ultra Marathons, bringing international acclaim and thousands of athletes to run the Mickelson Trail of the Black Hills.
  • 2011 – Dunn ran 65 miles on his 65th birthday.
  • 2016 – Dunn ran 70K in honor of his 70th birthday on the day of the Lean Horse Ultra Marathon<. Generating funds for the South Dakota Special Olympics Baseball program.
 2021 - Dunn did a 75K run / cycle on the beaches and roads of Sarasota, FL to celebrate his 75th birthday.
        Dunn ran the Ilalo Volcano Mountain Marathon in Quito, EC
 2022 - Dunn participated in all 4 of the South Dakota events he created. In addition, he ran Ragnar Colorado; Stars Stripes and Steps; Southern Hills Triathlon; and Wheelin' to Wall
 2023 - Dunn cycled the entire Pacific coastline of Ecuador, in celebration of his 77th birthday and,
 participated in RASDAK (Ride Across South Dakota).

Event creation and race directing

After the 200 in 2000 project's completion, Dunn directed his passion for running into a new arena. He created 2 marathons and 2 ultra marathons in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

He began in 2002 with the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon.  The entire course is run on the George Mickelson Trail and reviews declare it to be, as Jeff Galloway put it: "One of the most beautiful places for runners and walkers, that I have ever seen". .[6]

Dunn followed this up with the Lean Horse Ultra Marathon, also along the Mickelson Trail, which saw its first race in 2005. [7]

In 2010, Dunn and his business partner, Emily Schulz, added Run Crazy Horse to his growing portfolio of events.

The Black Hills 100 Ultra Marathon, created by Ryan Phillips and Chris Stores, two of Dunn's mentees, is another event to have his influence.[8] Dunn also consulted with Charon Giegle in the creation of the first ever event allowed to be held in The Badlands National Park, titled Wheelin' To Wall.

Philanthropic work

  • 1991 – For their 15 Year Anniversary Building campaign, Dunn created another of his solo run/cycle campaigns, again for Habitat for Humanity. Titled Shore to Shore in 104,   it consisted of a marathon a day, 6 days a week for 15 weeks, which got him from San Francisco to the steps of the Capitol Building in DC, in 104 days. His humanitarian focused efforts earned him with a personal audience with President Carter.[7]
  • 2016 – Dunn raised money for the Special Olympics through his "70 at 70" fundraiser.[7]

Cannabis advocacy

America's Marathon Man continues to advocate for the legalization of cannabis and how it can positively impact veterans and aging Baby Boomers.  Dunn believes in the potential of medicinal marijuana to help treat conditions such as PTSD, arthritis, and more.

Dunn also promotes the use of cannabis for endurance athletes, believing the stigma historically attached to cannabis users is unfounded.  He knows from personal experience that CBD, in particular, is vital in relieving both mental stress and physical pain during and after training and competitive events. 

Appearances

  • "Fitter after 50: Forever Changing Our Beliefs About Aging" by Ed and Mary Mayhew[9]
  • "The Messengers" by Malcolm Anderson[10]

Runner’s High. Josiah Hessee To Tell The Truth Keith Olbermann - ESPN Sports talk show USA TODAY Newsweek Numerous TV interviews and newspaper stories

References

  1. ^ a b "A Marathon Year for Marathon Man". Los Angeles Times. 1993-06-13. Retrieved 2020-02-09.
  2. ^ a b c Benson, Lee (1993-07-24). "JERRY DUNN: THE REAL-LIFE MARATHON MAN". Deseret News. Retrieved 2020-02-09.
  3. ^ McGavin, Patrick Z. "THIS MARATHON MAN'S WORK IS NEVER DONE". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2020-02-15.
  4. ^ a b c d Carreon, Mary (2018-12-05). "Jerry Dunn 'America's Marathon Man' is Living Proof the Stigma's Unfounded". High Times. Retrieved 2020-02-09.
  5. ^ a b "Jerry Dunn conquered his demons to become one of the most accomplished ultrarunners on the planet". Sensi Magazine. 5 February 2020. Retrieved 2020-02-09.
  6. ^ "Best Marathons In South Dakota - Which Races Are Worth Running". Runner's Goal. 10 March 2016. Retrieved 2020-02-09.
  7. ^ a b c staff, Tom Griffith Journal. "Dunn marks 70 years with 70K run". Rapid City Journal Media Group. Retrieved 2020-02-17.
  8. ^ Dunn, Jerry (2017-05-22). "AMERICA'S MARATHON MAN". Medium. Retrieved 2020-02-09.
  9. ^ "Fitter After 50". AuthorHouse. Retrieved 2020-02-09.
  10. ^ runplacesmalcolm (2013-07-18). "The Messengers". Malcolm Anderson. Retrieved 2020-02-17.