Dick Beardsley
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Everyone has a personal story.   Some are newsworthy.   Some are made for TV and some are what legends are made from.   Dick Beardsley was a legend long before his book, Staying the Course: A Runner's Toughest Race, hit the stores.

Like musicians, athletes are often recognized for one significant record.   The one hit wonders. Beardsley is often recognized for "The Duel in the Sun". The 1982 Boston Marathon, where he battled Alberto Salazar to the finish line.   His 2:08:54 made him one of the most famous second place runners in the world as both of them set course and American records during their incredible chase to the finish line.

But there is so much more to the awe shucks, gee golly guy.   Scott Keenan, Grandma's Marathon race director, considers Beardsley one of his ace ambassadors. Beardsley won the 1981 and 82 editions. His 2:09:37 is still the course record some twenty-four years later.

That time came in the wake of a string of phenomenal performances. Beardsley set a personal marathon record thirteen straight times. It included a 2:11:48 London Marathon in which he tied for first with Inge Simonson of Norway.

Listing Beardsley's marathon performances would uncover a small part of his story. His running success landed him a lucrative contract with New Balance and enough money to start his dream of owning his own farm.

In 1989, the dream became a nightmare. While using an auger to lift corn into a crib, Beardsley somehow became entangled in the machine and it tore him apart. Before losing consciousness, he somehow managed to turn the power off. He was laid up for five months, his right arm, ribs and left leg badly busted up.

In his book, Beadsley describes an entire series of mishaps that followed. It is never self-pitying. You feel a connection to his painful experiences. It leaves you dumbfounded that Dick is still alive and amazed that all this could happen to one person.

In 1992, Dick and his wife Mary were blindsided by another driver. A year later, he was hit by a car while running in a snowstorm in Fargo, North Dakota. The following month, he rolled his truck several times in another snowstorm. Numerous operations were required to improve his back and neck injuries.   He also received treatment at a hospital to remove super glue from his eyelid while trying to swat a fly that landed on him.

His life hit rock bottom with the death of his father from pancreatic cancer. By then, Beardsley was caught up in addition to painkillers. He began forging his doctor's signature to collect pills from a half a dozen pharmacies. His medication spree eventually landed him in court.

By 1997, he freed himself of drugs and returned to running. His speaking engagements are mesmerizing and his enthusiasm infectious. In Duluth at Grandma's Marathon expo, people line up at the Marathon and Beyond magazine booth to get his autograph.

Today, Beardsley can be heard as host of "The Fishing Scene" TV and radio show in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. He's been a fishing guide for more than half his life.

Anyone who has met Beardsley would tell you that he has a compassionate spirit and that good guys really can make it big.

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