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(Duluth, Minn.) Motivational. Inspirational. Captivating. These are a few of the words often used when describing a speaking presentation by Dick Beardsley. On May 8 and 9, Duluth middle school students will find out first hand when the Grandma’s Marathon course record holder speaks at Morgan Park, Lincoln Park, Ordean and Woodland Middle Schools.
Among the messages Beardsley will convey to the students is the importance of leading healthy, drug-free lifestyles and developing positive habits at a young age.
“Dick has the unique ability to inspire audiences of all ages and we are very fortunate he is coming to share his story with so many of our community’s young people,” said Laura Bergen, director of event and program development of Grandma’s Marathon.
One of the world’s best marathon runners in the 1980s, the Minnesota native would later survive a series of near-fatal accidents, as well as a battle with chemical dependency. The 52-year-old, who now resides in Austin, Texas, has held the Grandma’s Marathon course record since 1981 when he won the Two Harbors to Duluth event in two hours, nine minutes and 37 seconds. A year later he successfully defended his title (2:14:49) and today is among a five-member group of two-time Grandma’s Marathon men’s open division champions.
Next week’s speaking appearances are being presented by Duluth Children’s, an affiliate of SMDC Health System. Additional support is being provided by Duluth Public School and the Young Athletes Foundation.
Beardsley will also be in Duluth for the 32nd Annual Grandma’s Marathon weekend and will speak to runners and race fans at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 20 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. In all, more than 17,000 runners and 50,000 race fans from around the world will participate in the 32nd annual Grandma's Marathon weekend, which is presented by Target, Toyota and Wells Fargo Bank Duluth. For more information, visit GrandmasMarathon.com or call (218) 727-0947.
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