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WHO IS DICK BEARDSLEY?

     Dick Beardsley is referred to as a running legend in the United States, but perhaps the most amazing thing about him is his climb back to health after becoming addicted to pain medication for more than four years.

     Dick is best known for his incredible race in the 1982 Boston Marathon.  That race, on a very hot day, was dubbed the "Duel in the Sun" as he battled world record holder Alberto Salazar down to the finish line.  Both broke the American record:  Salazar won in a record time of 2:08:51,Beardsley’s time was 2:08:53! He was at the height of his professional running career.

     Then tragedy struck in November 1989.  While using an auger to lift corn into a bin on his Minnesota farm, Dick became entangled in the machine; it began to literally tear him apart.  Not expected to live or walk—much less ever run again—he managed to survive.

     But that was just the first of a seriesof events that would forever change his life.  During the next few years, Dick was involved in a severe car accident, later he was hit by a truck while running, later still, he rolled his vehicle in a snowstorm, and finally while hiking one day, the ground gave out and he fell off a cliff!  Each time he ended up in the hospital and had multiple surgeries to try and put him back together.

     Due to all the large amount of pain medication he was taking, he became addicted—and that's when his life really started to spiral out of control.  It has been a long and difficult road back, but Dick has been celebrating every day of his sobriety since February 12, 1997. 

     In 2007, after living in Minnesota for 51 years, Dick moved to Austin, Texas and got re-married to Jill, and in addition to his son Andrew, he adds to his family, two more children, Christopher and Matthew and a lot more pets.

     Despite having both of his knees replaced, since January of 2009,  Dick, not only is still running, but Dick maintains his active lifestyle by adding biking and swimming to hisroutine.  And for fun, lots of fishing, bringing his guiding business to the great lakes of Texas.

     Dick is the subject of a feature film being produced entitled “Against the Wind”.  For more information,please go to www.atwmovie.com

     In 2002, he authored a book called "Stayingthe Course:  A Runner’s Toughest Race." 

     Dick is one of the subjects of the 2006 book entitled Duel in the Sun by John Brant.

     Not only is Dick a best selling author,but he is one of the world’s most extraordinary, respected,and compelling motivational / inspirational speakers. Often times he is the keynote speaker at major events, including corporations, non-profits, schools, races, fundraisers, prisons and drug treatment centers. Anywhere motivation and inspiration is needed. 

     Dick is also an accomplished TVcommentator and radio announcer.  He has a gift of making people laugh,cry and most importantly, think and appreciate life to the fullest, despite any ups and downs that may come along. Dick's talks are directly from his heart and are highly inspirational.

     If you would like more information or would like to book Dick as a speaker, please contact Jill Beardsley, jill@dickbeardsleyfoundation.org or call 512-689-7828.

     Dick also has a marathon running camp and numerous high school running camps. 

     In October 2007, the Dick Beardsley Foundation was established to help individuals who cannot afford treatment for chemical dependency.  The work of the Foundation allows Dick to travel around the country, talking to and educating children about living active, healthy lifestyles, and being chemically free.