by Jeff Benjamin
1994-2019
25 Years Apart, Jeff Benjamin & Bill Rodgers
Bill Rodgers leading Boston in 1975, his first victory, photo by BAA
1975 World XC: (L-R), Mariano Haro, Ian Stewart, Bill Rodgers. Stewart won, Rodgers took the bronze, photo unknown
Bill Rodgers was the finest marathoner in the world. He won 4 Bostons and 4 NYC Marathons. He was ranked by the bible of the sport (TFN) as numero 1 in 1975, 1977 and 1979!
Bill Rodgers continues to be one of the most popular athletes in the world of running. We thank him for his candor.
Awaiting The Baton In The Relay Exchange Zone – Profiles Of Athletes, Coaches & Legends During The War Against Corona
Profile # 46 – “The King Of The Roads”
4-Time Boston & NYC Marathon Champion
World Ranked #1 in the world in the marathon in 1975, 1977 and 1979.
1975 World XC Bronze Medalist
“Boston Bill” Rodgers
L-R
Jack Benjamin, Bill Rodgers, Amanda Benjamin, Jeff Benjamin, Joe Martino
By Jeff Benjamin
How You Doing During This Time And What Kind Of Advice/Encouragement Can You Give People Of All Ages At This Time?
“My running routine is something that’s evolved since my High school and College XC and track days.The greatest challenge is how do we try to understand the role of this virus that is endangering everyone and how do we react to it? I think we are seeing that many of the people most affected by this disease sadly have underlying health issues, and that its really a time to consider how can we build our Public health care system so more Americans can live healthier lives. This means moving to a single payer health care system. Also, why cant we change our country’s Obesity issue which leads to cardiovascular disease and Diabetes, which are 2 diseases destroying Americans. I believe we need to encourage everyone to live active lives- to find your sport and to aim for such sports as walking, swimming, ,riding a bike, running ,rowing along with Olympic sports As well as soccer and basketball.”
“Like everyone else in the US and in many other countries i find it discouraging to see we have not made the efforts to make these sports as visible to the American youth. I struggle on my runs physically – ,I’m 72 years a old now and have been a runner and racer since 1963 ,but I love living as an athlete – We all can live as athletes and have better health outcomes as a result!”
“Whether it’s joining- for now- with people in your home for a walk or a bike ride or a run let’s ALL help each other as we face this virus, and let’s look forward to the days ahead!
Socially, let’s stay in touch with our families by phone or email or texting. Let’s support each other – That’s what i learned from XC when I was a15 year old Newington HS runner and when I ran at Wesleyan University!”
“When we work together we all win! Life is Better!”
