Oct 10, 2016 2 min read

Few U.S. distance runners experienced as much success as Dick Beardsley, a two-time Olympic Trials marathon qualifier who ran the fifth fastest time in U.S. men’s history. Even fewer overcame more adversity during the journey.

That’s why Beardsley will share his ups and downs during three public appearances this week.

Beardsley’s first appearance is a track workout at Jefferson Middle School, 21 Moffett St., Mt. Lebanon, at 7 p.m. Thursday. The following day, Beardsley has a speaking engagement at University of Pittsburgh’s University Club from 7-8:15 p.m. A 10-minute video of the final miles of the 1982 Boston Marathon, known as “The Duel in the Sun,” will be shown. The race is one of the most famous in the event’s history as Beardsley and Alberto Salazar dueled over the final miles in intense heat. Salazar won, but Beardsley remains in Guinness Book of World Records for lowering his personal best at 13 consecutive marathons. His third appearance is at Fleet Feet Sports Pittsburgh, 1751 N. Highland Rd., Mt. Lebanon, from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Beardsley will visit guests and sign posters and books.

Space is limited for the track workout and speaking engagement. Those interested are asked to RSVP at http://www.fleetfeetpittsburgh.com/dick-beardsley.

Beardsley, 60, rose from humble beginnings to become the winner of the inaugural London Marathon and the Napa Valley Marathon. He became addicted to painkillers after a 1989 farming accident was followed by three automobile accidents and a hiking mishap. Now sober for 16 years, Beardsley is a motivational speaker who shares his story throughout the world. With his wife, Jill, he formed The Dick Beardsley Foundation to educate others about chemical dependency and provide grants for those seeking treatment.