Dick Beardsley Half Marathon
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Last weekend, I had the fortunate opportunity to be a part of the Dick Beardsley Half Marathon in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.   Now in its eleventh year, the event's namesake was created for its local hero.  

Beardsley is probably best known for his "Duel in the Sun", which is now a book about his famous race against Alberto Salazar in the 1982 Boston Marathon.   In Minnesota, he holds the state marathon record of 2:09:37 set at the 1981 Grandma's Marathon.

Locally, Beardsley is known as a TV and radio personality for his professional fishing guide skills. He began fishing at age two with his dad and has been a guide for over thirty years.

As his guest, Beardsley took me to Long Lake, one of the 412 such lakes in a 20 mile radius of the city.   I can attest that Dick knows his way around a lake and has an instinct for getting the fish to bite.   I watched him lure in over twenty fish in just two hours (to my paltry five).

When I arrived in town, after less than an hour drive from Fargo, North Dakota, Beardsley was out on the half marathon course spray painting all the turns.   The event essentially loops around Detroit Lake. If you look to your left and you don't see the lake you're running off course.

If you plan to visit, I would highly recommend staying at The Lodge on Lake Detroit which was just completed in May.   It's affordable luxury with attention to detail that you don't expect to find.   Every room has a dramatic view of the lake.   Hard to ignore are the upscale rooms (awesome pillows), LCD HDTV and the whole look and feel of being in a spa.

The event is put on by local runners who want to promote health and fitness in the area.   In addition to the race, the organizers annually bring in a running legend to talk to the high school runners as well as a crowded auditorium of participants and guests.   Past legends have included Alberto Salazar, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Bill Rodgers and Don Kardong.  

Grete Waitz was the expected guest this year, but due to a recent illness I was asked to serve in her place.  

After Friday night's pasta dinner everyone gathered in the community and fitness center auditorium to listen to Beardsley and I speak.   Dick is a professional speaker who travels all over the country.   Anyone who knows him or has read is book finds him charming and realizes he is someone who likes to talk.   From my weekend with him, I can attest that he also asks a lot of questions, making you feel great.

On stage, Beardsley reminded me lot of Public TV's motivational speaker Wayne Dyer.   He's moves all over the stage using his hands while sharing one funny story after another.  

As I sat waiting my turn I wondered how I would be able to capture the audience the way Dick does.   My speech about motivation and courage, plus marathon stories from numerous Free Press columns, held their own.   Then Dick and I sat and answered questions from the audience.

The Beardsley Half Marathon had perfect 50 degree, no wind and sunny weather, which brought out a record crowd of over 1300 runners.   It felt strange, as the official starter and finish line announcer, to see hundreds of runners wearing the race T-shirt with my name printed boldly on their backs.   Professional athletes must be accustomed to seeing fans wearing their jersey but for me this was a first.

Organizers and runners hung out at local pubs after the run and traded stories making it a truly homespun run that I would call one of my favorites.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226