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First Annual Coach Pat Connelly St. Patrick’s Day 5k-10k a Huge Success

Posted on April 17th, 2006

I have had a wonderful coaching career over the last 40 years and at every turn new experiences just make it better for me to enjoy my life and coaching contributions. This year my enjoyment was complimented on Sunday, March 12th in Torrance, California.

My good friend Mike Ward, owner of two Village Runner shoe shops in Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach asked if he could rename his Village Runner St. Patrick’s Day Race after me. Obviously my answer was yes and a grateful thank you for the honor.

It turned out to be a wonderful morning with my family participating, especially my 3 year old grandson in the Leprechaun Dash. Over 2500 runners, including many of my L.A. Roadrunner Pace Leaders and coaches raced the 5K-10K. To add to the event my good friend Director of Training and Coaching for Devine Racing, Rod Dixon came and participated.

Rod was an Olympian in 72 (Bronze medal 1500 meters), 76 (4th 5,000 Meters, less then a second behind winner, Lassi Verin. Stepping up to the marathon distance, he won the New York Marathon in 1983, finishing in 2:08:59. Adding to his credentials he ran the 1/2 Marathon setting a new world record, finishing in 63:04. Can you imagine he ran a 3:51 mile and a 2:08 marathon? Talk about versatility. I stand next to Rod in awe; my athletic claim to fame was a 1956 high school mile record at Birmingham High School, running 4:37.

Next year the race will be two weeks after the L.A. Marathon and will be a cool down race and reunion for the L.A. Roadrunners. Put this date on your calendar: Sunday, March 18, 2007, 2nd Annual Coach Pat Connelly St. Patrick’s Day 5K-10K.