Klein to speak at RRCA Dinner
Posted by planetultramarathon on December 30, 2006
The Road Runners Club of America has announced the 2007 RRCA Annual Banquet Speaker: Helen Klein, 2004 RRCA Long Distance Running Hall of Famer.
Helen Klein, a retired nurse, began running at the age of 55 (in 1978) on a homemade track around her front yard and finished last in her first race, a ten miler. Now 83, Helen’s creed is “Disciplined, determined, dedicated. I always do my best to finish anything I start.”
“Helen’s determination and dedication to the sport of running is at the heart of the RRCA’s mission,” explains Jean Knaack, executive director. “We are thrilled to have her as a special guest for the RRCA Annual Banquet.”
Helen has started and finished over 100 marathons and over 140 ultramarathons. She’s finished the Marathon Des Sables, a 145-mile stage race across the Sahara Desert; the 5-day 100-mile Stage Race in the Himalayas and an Ironman Triathlon. Helen is also the oldest person to complete ultrarunning’s Grand Slam (four 100-mile races in the same year) and has set numerous U.S. and world age group distance records.
As to why she does difficult events at her age, Helen says, “I would rather wear out than rust out.”
For more information about Helen and the 2007 RRCA Convention in Chicago this March, visit: RRCA.org.
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director (805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016 Ryan@RunningUSA.org www.RunningUSA.org.
