Won't pass up the possibility

Roy Pirrung should be considered as the front runner for this contest.

I have been fortunate to know Roy since I began running in 1992 here in Wisconsin. He has a couple of years head start on me but everyone should have such a kind hearted rabbit to chase and to keep them motivated.

He started as a couch potatoe years ago, overweight and a smoker. He has, through his own self drive and dedication, become one of the premier geezer elite sportsman in the nation. He has mentored 100's of local runners and has taken the sport out into the public with his speaking and writing endeavors.

He has taken time from his busy schedule over the last number of years and dedicated himself to organizing and promoting the local American Cancer Society benefit run which has grown to over 2000 participants. I was able to serve as co-chair with Roy this past October for the first time and look forward to many more. Giving is what Roy is about.

Roy is at the top of his class when it comes to the marathon distance and beyond.
He is at the top of his class when it comes to giving back to the sport that has been his life.

He deserves the opportunity to run at the top of the world.

Bob Lindorfer
President - Kohler Running Club

If anyone is to do this Roy can and should be chosen. He is an experienced ultramarathoner who has "paid his dues" in many ways. He has run lots of races, excelled at long endurance events, does train in the cold, and would be a great representative of our sport.

Roy has also given much to the running community - he is always willing to come and speak to running clubs, supports races large and small without an expectation of being comp'd for our local races - he also volunteers at packet pick-up and elsewhere just like everyone else. Roy has also been very giving to beginners and slow runners - sometimes doing a very slow marathon with a first-timer at a much slower pace than his norm just to get them through.

We refer to him ans the "Energizer Bunny" of running.

I agree with the above comments from Kristine and Bob. I would like to add that Roy has been a role model for many of us in the Ultra Running community.

Roy would be a great choice as the winner of this contest.

He is a running legend in Wisconsin, both marathons and ultra's. He is not only an amzing athlete, but an even more amazing person.

I have had the opportunity to exchange emails with him many times about running--and he has been more than gracious in his responses.

Running in the winters of Wisconsin....will be to Roy's advantage in running this cold weather marathon.

Pick Roy---you could not go wrong!!!

As a race director in Roy's area, I strongly endorse his candidacy for the honor of running the North Pole.

In addition to being eminently qualified athletically, Roy is selfless in his desire to promote running to young and old alike. I have seen him inspire 7-10 year-olds at a local kids' run and provide valuable advice to 40-somethings on the threshold of running their first marathon. It's worth noting that he has not charged a penny for these speaking engagements. Like many of us, Roy promotes running because of his pure passion for the sport.

Another major reason for his candicacy is Roy's general disposition. Bringing together strangers in close quarters under adverse conditions can bring out the best or the worst in somebody. I directed my first ultra this past October, a 50 mile road race. Roy won the masters division with a stellar time of 7 hours. What impressed me more than his finish time, however, was his demeanor at the post-race party. Despite having just run 50 miles, he was smiling, laughing, and jovial (and he didn't drink any of the beer!). I have yet to see Roy display a negative or pessimistic mood before, during or after a running event. He is the type of person who would NOT be voted off the island in a Survivor-style competition.

For the reasons listed above, I endorse Roy's candidacy!

I met Roy last November at the UltraCentric race in Dallas (he won the 24hour competition). Roy is well respected in the ultrarunning community, not only for his running accomplishments, but for his great disposition and attitude toward other competitors. Roy would be a fantastic pic for your contest. The only better choice would be me, but I missed the deadline (had entry completed, went to read "rules" and lost all my work...stupid website), so Roy, yes, Roy is who you should pick...

Lynn B

Roy PirRUNg is a well known Wisconsin ultra marathoner. Roy's middle name is determination. He is able to overcome extreme distances, temperatures, and boredom while running events. He is strong mentally and physically. He is charismatic, has excellent communication skills and is loved by runners and spectators.

Wisconsin runners and running fans have embraced Roy, as an athlete, running consultant and down to earth friend that enjoys coaching runners of all abilities. Roy walks the talk. He is a moving billboard for health and wellness through running. He is invited to several athletic events as the key note speaker, honorary race director, race starter, award presenter and honorary number 1 bib race entrant.

I highly recommend Roy PirRUNg as your choice for the North Pole Marathon. He will train diligently, complete the marathon as planned and prove that your choice was the right one. Roy is talented, determined and a smart athlete. He will do you and your event proud! All Wisconsin newspapers and radio stations will cover your event because Wisconsin Roy is our top marathoner.

If you want a man to be the perfect representation and enthusiastic about a sport, Roy is your man. He is very supportive of athletes, no mater what level they are at. I have run with Roy and just about the time you just don't think you can go on, he is there to give you the incentive to finish. Everyone in our community would write a similar comment if they could about Roy.

Roy has been an inspiration to myself and many other runners of all ages and abilities. Roy has something you cannot teach....PASSION! Roy would be an excellent selection for the event in the NORTH POLE, I heard him talk about it at the Green Bay Marathon kickoff event and he had a twinkle in his eye. I could tell instantly, for a man who has accomplished so much, this was a new challenge for him. As for speaking ability, I have already booked Roy to speak at our next community Running Clinic and our Night of Excellence event for high school athletes; Roy will be the keynote speaker at both.

It is without reservation, that as a fellow marathoner and road racer, I would fully endorse Roy into the North Pole Experience.

I have had the pleasure of calling Roy Pirrung a good friend for over 10 years, both as a participant in the Sunmart Texas Trail Endurance Runs (Huntsville, Texas), and as a fellow journalist who is a fine writer in every regard. Roy’s last name says a lot about his persona, pIrRUNg. But there's far more about this man from the great state of Wisconsin. The thing that most impresses me most about Roy is the fact that he is willing to impart knowledge and advice to anyone who desires it. Besides being a truly stellar competitor, Roy serves on numerous ultra-distance committees as an officer, who goes the extra mile, literally and figuratively, to make running events better for all of us. Roy holds down a full-time job, but still manages to find the time to write articles for many publications, both locally in Sheboygan, and for outlets all around the United States. Roy takes the time to get to know people in every sense of the word, and he makes it easy for people to approach him by being a genial, caring and honest individual. Roy is also a veteran of the United States Armed Services, having served a stint in the Army. I know there are many deserving individuals in which to pick from, but it would be a mistake not to select Roy for your fine event. The true test of a man's worth is not the number of years he lives, but instead what he does with those years. Roy Pirrung is truly in this life for the long haul.

Roy is certainly one of the most amazing athletes and individuals that I have ever met. His energy and enthusiasm are as boundless as his commitment to succeed. He would be a wonderful addition to a North Pole event in my opinion.

All the best!

David Kohler

I am the outgoing President of the Badgerland Striders, so you might call me a homer plugging for one of the homestate guys. I also am director of one of the largest races in the Midwest, Als Memorial Run, have run countless marathons, and have directed many other events.

Roy Pirrung is the epitome of our sport. Perseverance, mental toughness, competitor, and selfless. He is more concerned about the people around him reaching their goals than anyone I have experienced.

The fact of the matter is, Roy Pirrung is a hero. His selfless dedication to the sport is not surpassed. There may be some that match his dedication, but it is not possible to surpass it. He directs a race to raise money for cancer, a disease that someone very, very close to him now has.

Roy is also an incredible storyteller (just ask him about Blackie, a dog who ran with him for hours during an ultra in Europe (Czech?), and you will soon know what I mean) who relates to the elite athletes, as well as the Joe Schmoe beginner. How about the run he did from Sheboygan, Wi to Valparaiso?, IN because one of his sponsors thought it would be cool. Can you imaging running through the toughest neighborhoods of Chicago and Gary in the middle of the night? That is a great story. Ask him about it.

His most recent race he finished with an injury that would drop most of us out. This was no ordinary race, as he ran 19 hours on a severly injured leg. I told him I was embarrassed that I finish a marathon with a bad hamstring. I hurt it at mile 6, and complained I had 19 miles to go. He didn't complain, and ran 19 more hours!!!

I don't know the other contestants. I do know, that as qualified as they are, nobody is more qualified than Roy Pirrung. That is just not possible.

If Roy is not selected, there should be an investigation!

I met Roy for the first and only time when I was in 7th grade (1991). My sister talked me into running a Thanksgiving day race at the Sheboygan YMCA. I begrudgedly accepted as I had never run a race and was NOT a fan of running. Standing around before the race in my sweatpants and converse hightops, I noticed my science teacher calling me over. He wanted me to meet someone, "a local running legend" as he put it. Roy introduced himself with a warm handshake and a friendly smile. The three of us proceeded to chat about running and life and all the good things surrounding them. I say three, but really mean two. I knew nothing about running other than it required two feet and an open road. I was immediately impressed with Roy's passion for running but more importantly for life and helping others. Without sounding the least bit self-righteous, Roy gave me a few easy to understand and easier to implement pointers on running. A warm up run cut our conversation short, but I couldn't shake the fact that someone could be that passionate and excited about life at all!

I started my two mile race with this passion in mind and dread in my heart (remember, not a fan of running). As my lungs began to burn and my calves tighten, I thought of how alive I felt. In great pain, but very alive indeed. As I reached the turn around and saw all the people behind me, I was even further enlivened. I finished the race in a flurry; a blinding scissor-kick of arms and legs. I had broken the world record for sure . . . and so had the 150 people who finished ahead of me! My time was 15:34 for two miles. I was immensely proud of it and was intently and completely hooked on the intrasensational capacity running had opened up for me in the same amount of time I spend talking to Roy.

I was always on the smaller side and to keep running seemed a natural fit for me. So I ran track my freshman year but then grew 8 inches and put on 60 pounds over the summer. Yeah, it took about 7,500 calories a day to do that. I went out for cross country in the fall at 185 pounds and 6'2", I'm pretty sure a lot of the other runners were afraid of me. I continued to run anyways with the determination of a Steve Prefontaine and a Roy Pirrung always in the back of my mind. Even though I carried 50 pounds on most of the other runners, I managed four All-Conference finishes, a school record, and a 17:34 5K personal best.

I continued running at St. Norbert College and was a seven time Academic All conference athlete. My weight increased to 215 but my times continued to drop to 28:12 8K, 22:45 4 mile, and a sub 2:00 half mile. Once again, Roy was always there. In graduate school I started half and full marathons, running Chicago, Cleveland, and the marine corp marathon several times. Because of my size I was frequently the engine of a train of runners living off of my draft. Like the mysterious runner the character Garraty sees in the story "The Long Walk," Roy was always a step ahead of me encouraging me to keep going.

There is no doubt in my mind that Roy is the best possible representative for this race. No one who has ever cross-laced a shoe or negative split his way to a first place finish deserves or would appreciate it more.

I have never spoken to Roy since seventh grade. I have run into him from time to time during local races and see him once in a while at the Sports Core. I haven't really needed to. The passion for running as well as life that Roy helped instill in me that morning is truly self-sustaining and unbelievably infectious.

Good luck Roy, I'll be thinking of you every time I lace 'em up.

About 10 years ago Roy's story inspired me at 45 to get active again. Roy's newspaper articles and his presence at local events keep me inspired. I have now completed a marathon with my adult daughter and I am still active everyday. GO ROY GO!!

I have heard of the "Great" Roy Pirrung for many years, he is a legend in our community. A number of years ago a group of women decided to run a 190 mile relay, the Great Midwest Relay, in Wisconsin and Illinois. Roy acted as our consultant and offered us endless support and helpful advice.

Since getting to know Roy personally, I have seen him compete, but, just as frequently, support the running community through volunteering, speaking and offering a helpful hand. He has inspired many...count me as one of them!

Roy Pirrung has been immensely influential in the running community, whether it has been on a local, state, U.S, or international level. Roy has played and important role in all running related events in the community where he lives, including helping with the former Shoreland Striders Running Club (WI) and volunteering at local road races in the city. Roy has been a long time Fond du Lac Running Club (WI) member and his presence as either an honorary speaker or participant has certainly added and extra flare to the atmosphere of our events. Roy is the complete package in the sport of running. He’s an advocate, a promoter of health and fitness at all levels, a nutrition guru, and a highly accomplished distance runner. The most noticeable attribute Roy has is his positive attitude. I believe Roy can accomplish anything he wants to in running and life, and he’s proven this for nearly 20 years as a master’s ultra marathon runner, winning world titles and setting world age group records. Roy has a large resume which speaks for itself, but he would be proud to participate at the North Pole Marathon. Roy’s undeniable passion for life and running would be a huge asset to the group of people organizing and participating in the North Pole Marathon. I fully endorse Roy Pirrung without reservation to be selected to participate at the North Pole Marathon.

Brad Theyerl
Vice President, Fond du Lac Running Club