Oct 22, 2007 Doug Kurtis - Runner, Director, Writer By Doug Kurtis

The Free Press Flagstar Marathon means so many different things to me. I’ve worn a lot of hats.

As a runner, I have many great memories including the three second place finishes, especially to Greg Meyer. The 1980 race was a pivotal year because I was ready to give up marathoning. But my race (2:16:58) made me realize I had national class ability. Third place finisher Duane Spitz encouraged me not to waste all my training that led up to the performance. So I kept going … and going.

In the early 80’s, I created a mental aid station on a desolate part of the course. Along with my running club the Redford Roadrunners, I chose to be a volunteer at the marathon rather than a competitor because of better opportunities to compete elsewhere. I missed performing at home and was excited when the event finally offered prize money in ‘86. I ended up second again when I went out too hard and felt lucky to break 2:20.

I was even luckier to win the next six years in a row. By ’87 I felt confident in my abilities and running at home was an added boost instead of a pressure situation. What other runners my not know is that I had a gift for recovering quickly. Before all but one of my first victories I ran a marathon the week before.

I was coaching an Olympic Trial qualifier at the ’98 marathon. Afterward, I went into Barbara Bennage’s office and suggested the Free Press use my experience to improve the event. She offered me the race director’s position. I already had a full time position and had some concerns that I could to both. I took it after my supervisors at Ford Motor Company encouraged me and looked at it as an opportunity to do community service.

1999 was a banner year coming out of the blocks when I received approval for runners to cross the Ambassador Bridge and finish inside Tiger Stadium. Two years later, I needed to step down as director but kept the operations and course designer positions. I’m proud of our courses. Finding a way to add the half marathon created the biggest change and a lot of excitement to the marathon.

In 2001, I walked into chief sports editor Gene Myers’ office and suggested he appoint a weekly writer to promote running. Like Bennage, he offered that I could do it. Six years later I’m still having a blast promoting races, offering tips and highlighting some of our great running athletes.