• Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Login
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home Running Shoes

The KIDS Marathon Grows! Road Trip with Rod Dixon and the Bakers, A photo essay by Jeff Benjamin

Jeff BenjaminbyJeff Benjamin
June 8, 2019
0
0 0
0
SHARES
2
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

image1-2.jpeg

L-R
Jeff Benjamin, Carolyn Baker, Brian Baker ,Waterbury City Clerk Mike Dalton, Rod Dixon, Jim O’Rourke (YMCA), photo by Jeff Benjamin consortium
image2-2.jpegThe author, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, Rod Dixon, photo by Jeff Benjamin consortium
image3.jpegKIDS Marathon, photo by Jeff Benjamin consortium
One of the most important programs in the US is the KIDS Marathon. It is the brain child of one of my idols, Rod Dixon. Rod Dixon, like John Walker and Dick Quax, was part of this group of wonderfully colorful New Zealanders who were influenced by the most eccentric former milkman on the planet, the late Arthur Lydiard. Rod was world class from the 1,500m to the marathon. His 1983 win in NYC was masterful, and some of the finest Sports TV ever.
But Rod does good things, things even bigger than his Olympic medal, and that is bringing a new generation to our sport. Thanks to Saucony for helping Rod Dixon with this vision of his. And thanks to Jeff Benjamin, who has dealt with his publisher’s eccentricities for almost 28 years.

RelatedPosts

For Shoe Geeks, the PUMA Magnify Nitro, a structured mileage shoe…

For Shoe Geeks: the Brooks Hyperion MAX

For Shoe Geeks: The HOKA Rocket X

The KIDS Marathon Grows!

Road Trip With Rod Dixon And The Bakers! – A Photo Essay by Jeff Benjamin

Rod the Mod! .png“Kiwis can Fly”, Stockholm 2 Mile, 1974, Rod Dixon ran 8:14.4, Emiel Puttemans in 2nd, Steve Prefontaine, photo by Jan E. Carlsen, Dagens Nyheter

Rod Dixon’s spectacular running career possesses, like other runners, great high peaks and great challenges, especially after failure. But, when it comes to those downhill turns , the 1972 1500 Bronze medalist from New Zealand’s mantra has always been, “Ok, so you missed that train…just be prepared to get on the next one!”

In 1975, despite running a 3:33 1500 (equal to a 3:50 Mile), Dixon finished 4th behind Filbert Bayi’s stunning world record performance.

Dixon’s post-event decision? – move up to the 5K, where he became one of the world’s best.

In 1980 the Olympic Boycott quashed Dixon’s hopes for another Olympic medal.

Dixon’s post-event decision? – Move all-out into the world of American road racing where he won many prestigious races, along with setting a World Best At The 1/2 Marathon and then dramatically winning the rain-soaked 1983 NYC Marathon In a time of 2:08:59!

The inevitable aging process? No problem once again for Dixon as his 4:02 mile at the age of 40 on the 11-laps To The Mile wooden boards of Madison Sq Garden stands as one of the great Masters performances of all-time!

Last week, as Dixon discussed his long successful career which included many subjects including Sebastian Coe (an upcoming story!), John Walker, Steve Prefontaine and Dick Quax amongst others, he was also once again preparing for his KIDS Marathon events, which peaked in Waterbury, Connecticut with 2,500 children and has just sprouted up in Middletown, NY. Dixon was also generous enough to include this author along with longtime running athlete/aficionado Brian Baker and his wife Carolyn on his road trip from Connecticut to New York.

“40 years ago if you’d told me I’d be able to spend time and host one of my idols, I would have thought you were crazy,” said Baker, a longtime NY runner who has run in every Falmouth Road Race since 1978 (Hey Amby Burfoot – are you listening😁?) Adding To The Fun was a surprising call from the legendary Craig Virgin, as Both World XC medalists (Dixon has 2 Bronze Medals, while Virgin is the ONLY American to have 2 Gold Medals!) reminisced as well.

Dixon’s almost 20 year mission has been to get children running. “The most important thing for the kids is to understand that they’d rather be the Tortoise than the share!”, said Dixon, whose KIDS programs continue to grow both in America and Internationally as well. “Slow and steady will win the race.”

image2-3.jpegRod Dixon with the Thunderbolts, photo by Jeff Benjamin
kids marathon 5.jpgKIDS Marathon, photo by Jeff Benjamin
kids marathon 6.jpg

L-R
Brian Baker, Rod Dixon, Frank Giannino, Jeff Benjamin, photo by Jeff Benjamin consortium
dan scavone .jpgDan Scavone, Jeff Benjamin, Rod Dixon, photo by Jeff Benjamin consortium

In Waterbury, the final KIDS mile festivities consisted of 2500 children who all went at their own pace in a series of waves over the final mile of a month-long daily 1- mile process which culminated in finishing the marathon distance of 26.2 miles. Under the great organization of City Clerk Michael Dalton, Jim O’Rourke (YMCA), Mayor Neil O’Leary, John Murray of the Waterbury Observer, the Connecticut Association of Schools’ (CAS) Cherese Miller with Dan Scavone and Anna Flores among countless volunteers, the city’s roads, all closed off, drew a celebratory parade-like atmosphere with Senator Chris Murphy in attendance as well. “With every kid getting a shirt and a medal it’s just fantastic!”, said Dixon.

win and finish finish and win .jpgWin and Finish and Finish and Win, photo by Jeff Benjamin

get them ready .jpgGet Them Ready, photo by Jeff Benjamin

image2-4.jpegWith a KIDS Marathon Winner Anthony And Dad Anthony Gulotta Sr In Middletown, photo by Jeff Benjamin

A few days later it was on to Middletown where legendary ultra runner Frank Giannino, along with the 39th Classic 10K And 5K, a nationally renown event which has annually included local Olympic legend Frank Shorter.

Gianino’s Solid support staff for the events (Which consist of George Shurter, Valerie And Bill Kilcoin, Kathleen Davis, Dave Badolato, David Goggins And Dana Groszek) were all on board to bring Rod Dixon’s KIDS Marathon program to Middletown for the first time.

Participating in the inaugural Middletown KIDS Marathon (Which took place on the Saturday before Sunday’s main road races) were Special Olympians from the Thunderbolts club, as well as the “Sole Sisters” from Maple Hill Elementary school. “The Parks Rec Dept trained 38 kids for the run,” said Giannino, who also gave kudos to Coach Raelynn Berthoff.

“Remember, Finishing is Winning and Winning is Finishing!”, Dixon enthusiastically told the youngsters at the starting line.

“Just be like the Tortoise, slow and steady.”

That philosophy has certainly paid off not only for Dixon, but for the thousands of young children running as well.

Want to learn more or contribute to The Rod Dixon’s KIDS Marathon Program?

Check out

http://www.kidsmarathonfoundation.org

Author

  • Jeff Benjamin
    Jeff Benjamin

    Jeff Benjamin has written for 30 years for American Track and Field along with RunBlogRun. The Former President of the Staten Island AC & Chair of the Staten Island Running Association was the 5th man scorer for his Susan Wagner High School NYC XC City Championship team. Also a member of the College of Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame for XC, Jeff currently serves as the LDR Chairman for USATF NY. A passionate (or fanatical) follower of the Sport, some of Jeff's subjects have included Sebastian Coe, Emma Coburn, Eamonn Coghlan, Matt Centrowitz, Jim Spivey, Galen Rupp, Joe Newton, Tom Fleming, Ajee’ Wilson, Bill Rodgers, Allan Webb, Abel Kiviat, Jordan Hassay, Marty Liquori, Caster Semenya, Rod Dixon, Carl Lewis and Jim Ryun as well as Book Reviews and articles covering meets and races in the Northeast U.S.

    View all posts

Previous Post

2019 HOKA ONE ONE Spring Track & Field Training Week 22, Day 6: Championship weeks 1 and Recovery Weeks 1

Next Post

2019 NCAA Diary: On Day 1, Nilsen upsets Mondo, winning in 5.95m, Daniel Roberts 13.06 WL (June 5)

Jeff Benjamin

Jeff Benjamin

Jeff Benjamin has written for 30 years for American Track and Field along with RunBlogRun. The Former President of the Staten Island AC & Chair of the Staten Island Running Association was the 5th man scorer for his Susan Wagner High School NYC XC City Championship team. Also a member of the College of Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame for XC, Jeff currently serves as the LDR Chairman for USATF NY. A passionate (or fanatical) follower of the Sport, some of Jeff's subjects have included Sebastian Coe, Emma Coburn, Eamonn Coghlan, Matt Centrowitz, Jim Spivey, Galen Rupp, Joe Newton, Tom Fleming, Ajee’ Wilson, Bill Rodgers, Allan Webb, Abel Kiviat, Jordan Hassay, Marty Liquori, Caster Semenya, Rod Dixon, Carl Lewis and Jim Ryun as well as Book Reviews and articles covering meets and races in the Northeast U.S.

Similar Post

Faith Kipyegon and Waithaka Mburu speak at the Sirikwa Classic Press Conference
Kenyan Athletics

Faith Kipyegon and Waithaka Mburu speak at the Sirikwa Classic Press Conference

February 3, 2023
Socialing The Distance featuring Coach Danny Mackey – Typical Coaching Day, Clip #1…
Coaching

Danny Mackey , Founding Coach, Brooks Beasts TC: Ten Questions on High Altitude Training

February 4, 2023
After attaining Gold label status, the Lagos marathon looks beyond the shores of Africa with its eighth edition
Events

Hayla Worku and David Barmassia battle it out at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as John Komen looks to break master’s record 

February 3, 2023
Yared Nuguse sets AR for 3,000m in 7:28.24 at Boston Terrier Classic (updated with event photos)
Winter Training

2022 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, Week Five, Day 5…a recovery day for Friday

February 3, 2023
Jake Wightman recalls the European Championships
Winter Training

2023 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, Week Five, Day 4…Thursday is a day in the hills!

February 2, 2023
For Shoe Geeks, the PUMA Magnify Nitro, a structured mileage shoe…
Running Shoes

For Shoe Geeks, the PUMA Magnify Nitro, a structured mileage shoe…

February 2, 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe to RunBlogRun's Global News Feed

Wake up to RunBlogRun’s news in your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll keep you informed about the Sport you love.

*we hate spam as much as you do

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
USATF / Day Four:  USA’s Assembled Team Is Ready!

Abby Steiner replies via twitter, on the curiosity about her new professional running contract

July 5, 2022
What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

July 17, 2022
Oregon 22 World Athletics Champs: False Starts reconsidered

Oregon 22 World Athletics Champs: False Starts reconsidered

November 18, 2022
Wanda Diamond League Final plans, 2023-2027, from World Athletics Website

Wanda Diamond League Final plans, 2023-2027, from World Athletics Website

October 14, 2022
Asafa Powell, Considering Longevity in Sprinting

The RunBlogrun Interview: Asafa Powell

5
What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

5
TCS New York City Marathon Broadcast to be Available in More Than 530 Million Homes Around the World on Sunday, November 6

RunblogRun Editorial: The Sorry State of Running Television Coverage, by Peter Abraham, note by Larry Eder

4
Cary Pinkowski did the Heroic Thing–My letter to CNN on the LSB Chicago Marathon

Cary Pinkowski did the Heroic Thing–My letter to CNN on the LSB Chicago Marathon

3
Faith Kipyegon and Waithaka Mburu speak at the Sirikwa Classic Press Conference

Faith Kipyegon and Waithaka Mburu speak at the Sirikwa Classic Press Conference

February 3, 2023
Socialing The Distance featuring Coach Danny Mackey – Typical Coaching Day, Clip #1…

Danny Mackey , Founding Coach, Brooks Beasts TC: Ten Questions on High Altitude Training

February 4, 2023
After attaining Gold label status, the Lagos marathon looks beyond the shores of Africa with its eighth edition

Hayla Worku and David Barmassia battle it out at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as John Komen looks to break master’s record 

February 3, 2023
Yared Nuguse sets AR for 3,000m in 7:28.24 at Boston Terrier Classic (updated with event photos)

2022 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, Week Five, Day 5…a recovery day for Friday

February 3, 2023

Popular Stories

  • USATF / Day Four:  USA’s Assembled Team Is Ready!

    Abby Steiner replies via twitter, on the curiosity about her new professional running contract

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Oregon 22 World Athletics Champs: False Starts reconsidered

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Wanda Diamond League Final plans, 2023-2027, from World Athletics Website

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Howard Slusher, RIP, 1937-2022, the man behind the new Hayward Field

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Recent Tweets

RunBlogRun Follow

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. RunBlogRun is the voice of the sport.

RunBlogRun
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
2h

Femke Bol won three golds at @EuroAthletics champs: 400m, 400m hurdles, 4x400m relay, photo: @stargazerpix, @NBIndoorGP , @PACESportsMgmt

RunBlogRun @RunBlogRun

Femke Bol says of her debut on 500m, “ I should not go too slow, I will die anyway as it is the 500m, “ @NBIndoorGP

Reply on Twitter 1621669709375569921 Retweet on Twitter 1621669709375569921 1 Like on Twitter 1621669709375569921 Twitter 1621669709375569921
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
2h

Gabby Thomas loves competing in Boston at @NBIndoorGP, photo:@stargazerpix, @ItsGabrielleT, @newbalance

RunBlogRun @RunBlogRun

Gabby Thomas, “ I love competing, @NBIndoorGP

Reply on Twitter 1621669070339719168 Retweet on Twitter 1621669070339719168 Like on Twitter 1621669070339719168 1 Twitter 1621669070339719168
Retweet on Twitter RunBlogRun Retweeted
track_gazette oluwadare @track_gazette ·
2 Feb

Elaine Thompson-Herah 🇯🇲 ran her first race indoors this season at the Karsten Warholm Invitational in Ulsteinvik, clocking a Season's Best (SB) of 7.30s to take the women's 60m.

Yaroslava ...Mahuchikh 🇺🇦 cleared 1.99m to win the women's High Jump.

Reply on Twitter 1621262862940266496 Retweet on Twitter 1621262862940266496 11 Like on Twitter 1621262862940266496 181 Twitter 1621262862940266496
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
2h

Special thanks to @SandraKurmann for managing the @NBIndoorGP presser. So many moving parts, from athletes to media to you know who asking for “just one more interview!”
Photos @stargazerpix, ...@NBIndoorGP, @gamupdates, @Flaamingoo_, @TreyCunningham, @Running_Network

Reply on Twitter 1621668349825499137 Retweet on Twitter 1621668349825499137 Like on Twitter 1621668349825499137 1 Twitter 1621668349825499137
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
2h

As always great emcee in @WightmanGeoff. Geoff’s knowledge and affection for the sport truly comes out. @NBIndoorGP

Reply on Twitter 1621667220660125696 Retweet on Twitter 1621667220660125696 Like on Twitter 1621667220660125696 2 Twitter 1621667220660125696
Load More...
Next Post

2019 NCAA Diary: On Day 1, Nilsen upsets Mondo, winning in 5.95m, Daniel Roberts 13.06 WL (June 5)

runblogrun

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. @runblogrun

Browse by Category

Newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Home page
  • My Account
  • Sample Page

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist