Talk:Jerry Dunn (runner)

proposed neutral rewrite of article

Writing

Proposed neutral rewrite of article

Conflict-of-interest disclosure: I am Jerry Dunn, the subject of this article. Because of that connection, I am not making these substantial changes directly to the article. I am requesting that an independent editor review the proposed rewrite below. The current article contains promotional wording, long lists of accomplishments, and claims that are either weakly sourced or unnecessarily detailed. I am proposing a shorter, more neutral version based primarily on independent published sources. I welcome independent editing, shortening, correction, or rejection of any portion that does not meet Wikipedia standards. Proposed replacement text: Jerry Alan Dunn (born January 29, 1946) is an American endurance athlete and race director. Los Angeles Times columnist Jim Murray called him "America's Marathon Man" during Dunn's 1993 effort to run 93 marathon-distance runs during the year.Murray, Jim (June 13, 1993). "A Marathon Year for Marathon Man". Los Angeles Times. Dunn ultimately completed 104 marathon-distance runs in 1993, an accomplishment subsequently discussed in national and regional media.Kroichick, Ron (July 8, 1999). "Running To Stay On Course / 'Marathon Man' comes to S.F.". San Francisco Chronicle.Dakota Life Episode 106. South Dakota Public Broadcasting. February 1999.

Early life and running

Dunn grew up in Indiana and served in the United States Army during the 1960s. He began running in the 1970s. Published profiles described his transition from heavy drinking to long-distance running and his increasing interest in endurance challenges.

Endurance career

In 1991, Dunn completed a transcontinental endurance project known as "Shore to Shore in 104," traveling from the San Francisco area to Washington, D.C., while supporting Habitat for Humanity.Benson, Lee (July 24, 1993). "Jerry Dunn: The Real-Life Marathon Man". Deseret News."Dunn Pushes Himself to the Limit". San Francisco Chronicle. July 3, 2000. In 1993, Dunn launched "93 in '93," intending to complete at least 93 marathon-distance runs during the calendar year. Murray profiled the project in the Los Angeles Times in June 1993 and referred to Dunn as "America's Marathon Man." By the end of the year, Dunn had completed 104 marathon-distance runs. Dunn married Elaine Doll during the 1995 Walt Disney World Marathon. The ceremony took place on the course inside the Magic Kingdom. For the 100th Boston Marathon in 1996, Dunn ran the Boston Marathon course on 25 consecutive days before participating in the official marathon on the 26th day. In 1998, he ran the original New York City Marathon course in Central Park on 28 consecutive days and then participated in the New York City Marathon on the 29th day. In 2000, Dunn attempted a project called "200 in 2000," with the goal of covering the marathon distance 200 times on certified marathon courses during the calendar year. Contemporary reporting followed the project while it was underway.

Race directing and event development

After moving to South Dakota, Dunn became involved in race directing and event development in the Black Hills. He founded the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon in 2002.Hobbs, Nancy (June 4, 2018). "Meet ATRA Trail Ambassador - Emily Wheeler". American Trail Running Association. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help) Dunn later launched the Lean Horse 100 ultramarathon; a United States Army profile described the race as Dunn's creation."APG Employee runs 100-mile race in California desert". United States Army. September 2010. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help) In 2010, Dunn and Emily Wheeler founded the Run Crazy Horse Marathon. Dunn also assisted other race organizers. South Dakota Magazine reported that he helped ultrarunners Ryan Phillips and Chris Stores establish the Black Hills 100.Higbee, Paul (May–June 2012). "Pushing Boundaries". South Dakota Magazine.

Community and charitable activity

Charitable causes were incorporated into several of Dunn's endurance projects. His 1991 transcontinental project supported Habitat for Humanity.

Cannabis and endurance sports

In later years, Dunn publicly discussed his longtime cannabis use in connection with endurance running and advocated reducing stigma surrounding cannabis use among athletes. His experience with cannabis and endurance sports was profiled by Mary Carreon in High Times.Carreon, Mary (December 5, 2018). "Jerry Dunn 'America's Marathon Man' is Living Proof the Stigma's Unfounded". High Times. Dunn's experience was also discussed by journalist Josiah Hesse in the 2021 book Runner's High: How a Movement of Cannabis-Fueled Athletes Is Changing the Science of Sports, an examination of cannabis use among endurance and other athletes.Hesse, Josiah (2021). Runner's High: How a Movement of Cannabis-Fueled Athletes Is Changing the Science of Sports. G. P. Putnam's Sons. ISBN 9780593191170.

Media coverage

Dunn's endurance projects have been covered by newspapers and broadcasters including the Los Angeles Times, Deseret News, San Francisco Chronicle, and South Dakota Public Broadcasting.

References

WilburRay (talk) 04:54, 31 August 2026 (UTC)