YOUNGSTOWN Bill Rodgers to run as Peace Race guest

Bill Rodgers, one of America's most famous distance runners, won the 25-kilometer Peace Race in 1977.
By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Bill Rodgers, one of America's most famous distance runners, will compete as a special guest in the 28th annual Peace Race through Mill Creek Park on Oct. 6.
A four-time winner of both the Boston and New York Marathons, Rodgers will be making his first appearance in the Peace Race since the late 1980s. He won the 25-kilometer Peace Race in 1977.
This year's Peace Race again will consist of two events -- a 10-kilometer run and a 2-mile fun run/walk -- and is being presented and sponsored by Butler Wick Corp., in association with 17 other sponsors.
The 10-kilometer run will begin at 10:15 a.m. at West Indianola Ave. near Glenwood Ave., proceed through Mill Creek Park and end downtown near the YMCA. The 2-mile Fun Run/Walk will start at 9:30 a.m. downtown near the YMCA where it also will end.
Cash prizes will be awarded in the open and masters divisions of the 10-kilometer race. A post-race party sponsored by BW3 will be held on Federal Plaza.
Special appearance
Rodgers, who won the Boston Marathon in 1975, 1978, 1979 and 1980, and the New York Marathon in 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979, also will make a special appearance Oct. 5 at Second Sole, 755 Boardman-Canfield Rd., Boardman from 2-5 p.m.
Now 53 and a record-setting masters runner competing in distances from 5-kilometer to a half-marathon, Rodgers also serves as an ambassador for running by performing numerous speaking engagements across the country and serving as a spokesperson for Running Times Magazine.
In addition, he operates the Bill Rodgers Running Center.
Ted Rupe, Peace Race co-director, said Rodgers will compete in both the open and grand master (over age 50) divisions.
Rupe, also a runner who competed for both Maplewood High and Cleveland State, is happy Rodgers is returning to the Peace Race.
"I have raced against Bill several times in the past, but it hasn't been for 15 or 20 years," said Rupe. "I am very familiar with him as a runner, and it is an honor to have him come in for the race.
Recalls Rodgers in 1977
Rupe recalls Rodgers' appearance in the 1977 Peace Race.
"I was in college that year and I came and watched. Actually I always enjoyed seeing him run. He is just a great runner," said Rupe, who called Rodgers one of the early leaders in distance running.
"He is one of the beginners in the running movement in the 1970s and 1980s. He inspired myself and many other runners to really promote the sport," said Rupe.
Thomas Bresko, a member of the Peace Race Board of Directors, said Rodgers and Frank Shorter "helped create the running boom of the 1970s and early 1980s. Their many classic duels created a distance racing rivalry rarely seen in this country."
Bresko said Rodgers was a liberal with his own style on the course.
"Eschewing conservative and even-paced running, Rodgers was known for putting in hard surges during races that not only tested himself but challenged his competitors as well," said Bresko.
Registration for race
Registration for the Peace Race will be held at Second Sole Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entry forms are available at Second Sole.
Registration also may be made through the mail by sending entry forms to Western Reserve Health Foundation, Tod Children's Hospital/Peace Race, 435 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown 44504.
Entry fee is $13 (before Oct. 6) and $17 the day of the race. Entry fee for a family is $30.
A portion of each entry will benefit Tod Children's Hospital. Checks are to be made payable to: Tod Children's Hospital/Peace Race 2002.
Besides Butler Wick Corp., other Peace Race sponsors are Parker-Hannifin-Youngstown, Daprile Insurance, BW3, Foot & amp; Ankle Care Center, Cafaro Corporation, Asics Baker's Breakfast Cookie, Hill, Barth, & amp; King, Bob Cene, Great Harvest Bread Co., American Paper Group, Key Bank, Salem Internal Medicine, Second National Bank, Coca-Cola, WYSU-FM Classical 88.5, Boardman X-Ray & amp; MRI and Panera Bread.
kovach@vindy.com