Joe Shuta began long-distance running in 1973 when he laced up a pair of Converse high tops and carried a stopwatch. A week later, he had difficulty walking and decided that not to run was a much wiser choice.
Three years and too many pounds later, Joe decided to jump into the running boom of the ’70s, along with 25 million other Americans. Running shoes and more training advice led him to numerous 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons. While living in Mexico in 1982, he completed his first marathon in 3:05. Although now his pace should be timed with a calendar rather than a running chip, Joe continues to pound the trails and roads with nineteen marathons, six ultra-marathons (fifty-milers), numerous shorter races and thousands of extra miles on the soles of his shoes.
“Seventy-three-years-old, not as fast as I once was but less slow than most people my age. I like to think that age is chasing me.”
During this August 2024 audio interview, Dave Wottle, discusses his running career leading up to the 1972 Olympics, the incredible recovery from being last after half of the 800-meter finals and why the race has been viewed millions of times after more than fifty years.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
Photos (except turtle) courtesy of Dave Wottle and Bowling Green State University Athletics.
Dave Wottle relives winning the gold medal in the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Photos courtesy of Dave Wottle
Roberta “Bobbi” Gibb tells her story about being the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in spite of numerous obstacles that women faced in 1966.
The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Newspaper headline photo courtesy of Bobbi Gibb
Additional photos courtesy of the Boston Athletic Association
Ultramarathoner and author Dean Karnazes discusses how life has changed for him and shares his thoughts on life as a runner.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Photos courtesy of Dean Karnazes and several running friends.
Dean Karnazes recounts an unforgettable running encounter.
Photos Courtesy of Dean Karnazes
Ultramarathoner Dan Karnazes talks running in this sub-ten-minute interview.
Photos courtesy of Dean Karnazes
Kevin Wanichko, Head Women’s Cross Country/Women’s Track Coach at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, talks running and his memorable 2019 Boston Marathon finish.
A coach and runner of outstanding character, Kevin covers several topics in an impressive 9:13.50.
Boston Marathon start and finish photos credit: B.A.A./FayFoto
Bill Rodgers photo credit: Jeff Johnoson/RunMoreMiles.com
Kevin Wanichko Photos courtesy of St. Vincent College and Kevin Wanichko
Four-time winner each of the Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon between 1975 and 1980, Bill Rodgers discusses how he began running, his world class success, accepting slowing down, the horrific events of the Boston Marathon bombing and what the future holds for him.
Boston Marathon photos courtesy of Jeff Johnoson/RunMoreMiles.com
1975 IAFF World Cross Country Championships and awards photos courtesy of Bill Rodgers.
2016 New York Marathon Expo courtesy of NYRR.
Female runners photos courtesy of Erik Brown.
Dean Karnazes discusses his latest book, “The Road to Sparta,” along with several running-related topics. He also relates an amusing story (but not for him at the time) about a incident while he was running at night.
Dean Karnazes submitted photos
In one of the greatest comeback wins in the history of track, Dave Wottle won the Olympic 800-meter final in the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Dave reveals his perspective before, during and after the finish.
