Running With A Purpose

by Kellie Taylor – Cincinnati Post

From the foggy depths of the early morning, he approaches, his steady breathing becoming increasingly more audible.

It’s not a rarity to see a runner jaunting through a Cincinnati neighborhood preparing for the upcoming Flying Pig Marathon.

But for Jerry Dunn, the 26.2-mile run is almost mystical, bewildering at the least.

Dunn, also known as Mr. Marathon, is on a quest to run 200 marathons – 12 official races and 188 solo treks – this year, an unfathomable feat for most, but not for a man who has been forced to battle other demons.

Dunn is a recovering alcoholic, dry for more than 17 years. He credits his passion for running for delivering him from the passions of the bottle.

”Running has pretty much saved me from that lifestyle,” Dunn, 54, said. ”I’ve been accused of being an addicted runner, but I’d much rather see people on the streets addicted to running than driving around the streets addicted to whatever.”

Mr. Marathon is on a mission, out to prove it’s never too late to turn your life around.

The South Dakota native is already well into his 2000 goal, completing his 70th marathon-length run of the year on Tuesday, this one along the Flying Pig Marathon course. He will run the course 14 times in two weeks, including the official race on May 14.

Then he will move on to his next destination – the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon course in San Diego – with 82 marathons under his belt.

One would think the stress on the body from such extensive running would be too taxing, too much for a person – even one with 7 percent body fat and a lean 6-foot, 153-pound frame – to handle.

”I haven’t had a physical in nine years,” Dunn said. ”I pay attention to my body and I haven’t been ill in 10 years.

”There is a history of heart disease in my family. My father died when he was 47 of a heart attack.”

That fact is the primary reason Dunn ran 104 marathons in 1993.

”I was 47 and wanted to prove to myself that I didn’t have to die young,” he said.

Dunn runs his marathons at about a five-hour pace, being sure not to push his body so hard it can’t recover. Sponsors have provided Dunn with recovery drinks to braces to help him ward off any injuries or illnesses.

”Barring any unforeseen injuries, the body could take it,” said Trey Walker, an experi enced marathoner and personal trainer who works mainly with long-distance runners. ”The question is adequate rest. He must be pushing through with sheer will.

”Most people have to train four to six months for a marathon. To try and do 200, that is a heroic achievement. It shows you what the human body and mind is capable of with the right forces behind it. What a great ambassador.”

Dunn has become a celebrity, appearing on the ”Today Show” among other media outlets. While watching CNN Headline News recently, Dunn saw the statement ”Recovering alcoholic attempting to run 200 marathons” scroll across the ticker at the bottom of the screen.

”I love the media attention, but it goes it a little deeper,” Dunn said. ”I would like to be an encouragement to other folks who have a problem.”

Dunn is also a willing recipient of encouragement. He welcomes anyone who would like to run with him. He begins his runs at 6 a.m. on the corner of Sycamore and Fifth Street each day.

”It’s great fun to have people honk and wave at me while I’m running,” Dunn said, ”and I just love to have company.”

Fans can chart Dunn’s progress at his Web site – www.marathonman.org. If all goes as planned, Dunn should complete his 200th marathon Dec. 10 in Honolulu.

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Tags: Press & Articles

1. Elaine Stewart says:

   April 20, 2011 at 4:24 pm

   Jerry: I love your blog, “Running w/ a purpose”. You are
   certainly disiplined, getting up early to begin your run.
   I am age 69 l/2, having run for about 2 l/2 years. I love
   to run. I run about 2 miles per week, sometimes running in
   the the evening, but mostly in the afternoon. (Am unable to
   run in morning). Sometimes, I have to push myself to run,
   but when I am done, I want to run again. I just bought a
   new pair of running shoes, but haven’t tried them yet.
   I love to watch runners on my street too. By the way, you
   are an extremely handsome man. Elaine Stewart, Oregon
2. Elaine Stewart says:

   April 22, 2011 at 3:06 pm

   Jerry: Yesterday, Thursday, I had a good day. Started my
   run in afternoon by running to mailbox, then to pasture
   at end of my street, then up to stop sign. Then, I proceeded back to the pasture. After this, I started from
   my house up street a ways, turned left down street, stopped
   at corner, then ran down the street, turned right to club-
   house, ran in parking lot, then to clubhouse. I then ran
   from the end of my street home. I am trying to add a bit
   more running as I go. Also, I am surprised I can sprint
   a bit on long runs. Also, ran from pasture to home. Elaine
3. Elaine Stewart says:

   May 4, 2011 at 3:16 pm

   Jerry – Since Mother’s day is coming I would like to
   make a comment regarding my son, Danny”. He also is a
   runner. When he gets to run at the park he runs w/ all
   he has. He is a fast runner too. When I run I carry him
   in my heart.
   P. S. Hope this note gets to you. Elaine
4. Elaine Stewart says:

   May 16, 2011 at 3:00 pm

   Jerry- I forgot to say before, I hope you got to see your
   mother on Mother’s Day. Just wanted to say too that I went
   to Monmouth,ORE. to see the Track@Field event on 5-l4-ll.
   I had a great time. I got to run half way around the track
   on the grass. I then got to stand near the fence to watch
   the runners. They give it their “all” when they run. They
   mentioned too during the event that someone won a free
   ticket to the Stanislaus State Track@Field event coming up.
   This college is located in Turlock, California. I grad-
   uated from Turlock Highschool in l960. Thanks.Elaine
5. ELAINE STEWART says:

   May 25, 2011 at 4:32 pm

   Jerry: Just a note; today, Wednesday, I did my usual run.
   It is rainy today. Just when I started toward home the
   wind kicked up hard against me. Thank goodness I had
   my hunting jacket on. I am glad I did as well as I did.
   At least I am encouraged to run again. Have a good day.
   Elaine
6. Elaine Stewart says:

   June 20, 2011 at 4:15 pm

   Just testing to see if I can get a comment posted.
   Thank you, Jerry. Sincerely, Elaine
7. Elaine Stewart says:

   June 20, 2011 at 4:27 pm

   Jerry – I just wanted to tell you that I understand about
   your loss of your father at age 47 of a heart attack. I
   think it is good that you run for him. I have known mul-
   tiple losses throughout my life. I lost my mother a age
   69 l/2 years. She died of a heart attack, etc. She had
   a hard life, (as I do.) She taught me many lessons about
   suffering. She was beautiful in so many ways. I know that
   you will see your father again in Heaven. I am looking
   forward to seeing my mother again in Heaven. Thank you
   very much. Sincerely yours, ELAINE