Running Trivia

I've always considered myself somewhat of a running geek extraordinaire.  Growing up the son of a track/cross country coach, I was indoctrinated into the Church of Running as a wee lad.  Most runners aren't so lucky and, therefore, miss out on meeting and learning about some amazingly inspirational people.  If you ask almost anyone to name their favorite baseball or football player, they'll mention a handful of options almost immediately.  Most folks can effortlessly list both former greats and current stars.  The same is rarely true, however, if you ask about runners...even if you ask the question of a runner.  

In effort to help spread the history of the sport we love, here are some trivial questions you can use to first test your knowledge - and then educate others.  Try to answer the following questions - and then check your answers here.

1. Who holds the women's American record in the marathon?
2. Who was the first man to break the 4:00 mile indoors?
3. In what year were women first allowed to compete in the Boston Marathon?
4. Name the three US cities to host the Summer Olympics.
5. Who is the only American to win Olympic Gold in the 10,000 meters?
6. Who was the first man to run a 4:00 mile?
7. How many American High Schoolers have broken 4:00 the mile? (Can you name them?)
8. Who is the only man to win the 5k, 10k, and marathon in the same Olympiad?
9. What shoe holds the men's world record in the marathon?
10. Who holds the women's American record in the steeplchase?
11. What Missourian holds the American record in the 2 mile?
12. Name the three Americans that dominated the marathon from 1971 to 1983.
13. What Kenyan tribe do many of the world's best runners come from?
14. What runner's nicknames are these: Pre, Catherine the Great, Boston Billy, Geb, and El Caballo?
15. Who won the first women's Olympic marathon?

We aren't the first to run and race, nor will we be the last.  It's good to remember those that laid the foundation for the great sport we all enjoy. Challenge your friends to see who's the biggest running geek (or most knowledgeable fan, if you prefer.)

Good Luck and Happy Racing!
Coach Cary

Check your answers here