When running aficionados think of Marathoner Pat Petersen two words come to
mind–Guts and Gait. Considered by purists to possess, as a New York Times
reporter once described, “…an uneven, uneconomical stride, laboring like the great
1952 Olympic champion, Emil Zatopek of Czechoslovakia”, Peterson’s guts
nevertheless took precedent, as he’s remembered as one of America’s great
marathoners in the mid to late 1980’s. Sadly it’s been confirmed that Petersen,
also considered to be the truly last local New Yorker and American to possibly
win the coveted New York Marathon, succumbed to Pancreatic Cancer today
(May 30)at the age of 55.
Competing throughout high school and excelling at Manhattan College, Petersen
would go on to be coached by the first NY Marathon Champion Gary Muhrcke
before joining the NYC’s Warren St. Athletic Club, coached by Tracy Sundlun.
Under Sundlun’s guidance, Petersen would excel. “He was incredibly consistent,”
said Sundlun, who today is the Vice President of the Events Competitor Group,
known for it’s successful Rock ‘n Roll Marathons series throughout the U.S.
“When I recruited athletes I would always want to know the following–Why do
you do what you do and would I like to have you over for dinner. The second
question is all about one’s character, because without character, you cannot
excel. Pat had character and was willing to fight through the pain to excel.” As
for his running style which some thought was awkward, “I looked to originally
fix the form. It looked like he was disconnected at the hips. But we felt it was
only necessary to shorten the arm carriage and stride which would be more
suitable for the marathon distance. But Pat was always willing to give it his all.
He was a chaser.”
Beginning in 1983, Petersen chased and set out on an outstanding string of
marathon performances. In 1983, he ran an impressive 2:12.06 debut marathon
while finishing 12th behind the dramatic race winner Rod Dixon. ” I remember Pat
very well,” said Dixon. “Fred Lebow really liked him, as did we all.” He then finished
third in 1985. But his best NY effort probably came in 1987, when Petersen led
the pack for first 14 miles by himself. “We didn’t plan for him to do that,” said
Sundlun. ” But when the gun went off, Pat led the first mile comfortably in 5:04
and NO ONE was near him. People think he went out crazy when in fact he was
out pretty relaxed. Everyone else in the race just sat back.” Petersen eventually
would get passed by victor Ibrahim Hussein before dramatically fading to fourth
lace in 2:12.03, getting outsprinted in the last 1/4 mile by Italian Gianni DeMadonna,
33, and American Pete Pfitzinger. In fact when one looks at his NY performances
he placed among the top 4 in the five-borough race three times–4th in 1984,
3rd in 1985, and 4th in 1987. The only other Americans to match this were
Bill Rodgers, Alberto Salazar and Meb Keflezighi.
But his great marathon performances were not only New York. Petersen would go
on to compete in the London Marathon on a regular basis as well. “I owe it to
Race Director Dave Bedford for flying him over and treating him well during those
years,” said Sundlun. Petersen would reward them both by placing 6th (1985, 2:11:23)
, 4th (1986, 2:12:56) and then record his best ever in the 1989 edition by
running 2:10:04 for 7th place which was considered the U.S. best time
for a record-legal course until Khalid Khannouchi broke it in 2002. That time
also still ranks him at No. 17 on the all-time U.S. list today.
One admirer of Petersen during this period was legendary marathoner Bill Rodgers.
“I recall Pat as a sort of unique very high level American marathoner who was closely
associated with New York City,” said the four time NYC and Boston Champion. “It
seemed sort of shocking that a runner could reach such a high level while training
in the city confines so much. I remember Pat as maybe the highest level marathoner
who was very quiet and maybe the least likely to brag, a true gentleman” Even
Sundlun seemed to agree. “Pat was probably America’s top unknown marathoner
during this time. Why unknown? Because that was the path we both wanted to be
on. He didn’t do it to be known.”
Adding more to his consistency in the marathon is his times over other distances.
From a 4:04 Fifth Avenue Mile, to a 4:06 Indoor mile (witnessed by this writer in
1986 at West Point, where he lead Irish Legend Eamonn Coghlan until 250 meters
to go!), as well as a 7:52 indoor 3K, 13:42 indoor 5K and a 28:19 outdoor 10K,
Petersen was never afraid to take on competitors and the clock.
All this while working a full-time job! “I couldn’t convince him to be a full-time
athlete,” said Sundlun. “Even his company was willing to give him this time to
train, and he wouldn’t do it. He felt it wasn’t right.”
Even when he ran the American record in London, “Pat worked full-time all week,
then left Friday evening for London,” said Sundlun. He had to attend a press
conference hosted by Dave Bedford the night before the race, then he ran a
spectacular race, and then after the race got on the plane back to the States
and went back to work on Monday. After every marathon performance Pat
was almost always literally destroyed.”
While a devoted coach, Sundlun also looked out for all of his athletes,
so it was no coincidence that the low key Petersen would be put into a
bus seat one time by Coach Sundlun with teammate Bea Huste on a
trip to compete against the Greater Boston Track Club. That trip would
eventually result in a wedding day, with Sundlun the matchmaker/coach
also serving as the Best Man.
In 1991, as Petersen lined up to go at the start of the NY Marathon he was
elbowed hard in the rib, which led to both a cracked rib and a heart condition which,
despite efforts in future races and the 1992 Olympic Marathon Trials, pretty much
led to his disappearance from the world class stage. But fans at the time can never
forget his gait or, most importantly, his guts. “His pain tolerance was the greatest
I’ve ever seen in a human being,” said Sundlun. “He can go further into the well
than anyone I’ve ever seen.”
In order to ensure that his friend is not forgotten, Sundlun hopes that at the
inaugural Brooklyn Rock ‘n Roll 1/2 marathon this fall the Top awards trophy
will be named after Pat Petersen, who also held the course record for many
years in the NYRR Brooklyn half with a time of 1:03:56, set in 1988.
Said Sundlun, “It’s the least I can do.”
PLEASE READ!!
From Pat’s friend–Mike Polansky
Pat’s family is in desperate need of financial assistance. Sometimes we don’t think
of our own mortality, and Pat never purchased life insurance. His wife Bea and their
four amazing children are going to lose their dad and need our support.
For those who are too young to remember, Pat was arguably the finest marathoner
ever to come out of Long Island, with three “top four” finishes in the NYC Marathon
and a personal best of 2:10:04 set in the 1989 London Marathon. He holds the
course record of 30:27 for the Aspire 10K which has stood since 1988. Up until
recently, he was a frequent participant in many GLIRC and other Long Island races.
Every little bit helps. You can send a check (payable to Bea Petersen) and
mail it to Bea at 132 Bayview Avenue, East Islip New York 11730, or you
1985 London Marathon–Pat is in white singlet with white headband
by Larry Eder
