THE RUNNER
Dick Vincent grew up in Catskill, NY and took up running in 1972 as a way to
improve his fitness and overall health. On April 23, 1975, eager to do well
in the following year's Boston Marathon, he decided to try running every day.
That streak would continue until October 1, 2009.
After running Boston in 1974, Dick would go on to compete in over 250 marathons
and ultramarathons throughout the world. While he was more attracted to the
atmosphere and experience of trail ultramarathons, Dick did run sub-16 in the
5k, sub-2:40 in the marathon, and consistently was a top finisher in ultra-distance
events.
THE COACH
Dick's coaching career began in the late 1970s with the Onteora Runners Club.
In 1986, he received his Level 1 USATF Coaching Certification. He would go on
to coach at the high school level for a few years but his primary focus was
always private coaching for adults. In April 2011, he created the weekly track
workout series for the
Albany
Running Exchange and also is the full-time coach of the
ARE
Racing Team.
Dick now holds a Level 3 USATF Coaching Certification, the highest level of
certification which can be earned from USATF. Additionally, he holds a Level 5 certification
from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), passing the IAAF Academy Elite
Coach Course in Endurance with distinction.
USATF Level 3 Certification |
IAAF Level 5 Certification |
THE EVENT ORGANIZER
In 1974, Dick directed his first event. Three years later, Dick founded the
Escarpment Trail Run. He remains at the helm of this event to this day. Participants
have included members of the U.S. Mountain Racing Team, along with numerous
Olympic Trials qualifiers, and an Olympian.
Dick has directed hundreds of races of all types. He was heavily involved in
the Kingston Classic for 25 years, and was subsequently awarded Sportsman of
the Year by the Daily Freeman. He also coordinates numerous other events of
all types and sizes. In addition to being the driving force behind countless
events, he continues to assist other events in a variety of roles. He can be
often found assisting with the timing of events throughout the mid-Hudson Valley.