The Monster Runner Award

The Monster Runner Award is designed to celebrate the runners in our community who excel in race finishes, overcome personal challenges, run personal bests, contribute to a better life for those around them, and go far beyond their comfort zone to find something special within.

This month’s Monster Runner recently filled the role of race director for the Oregon Marathon Relay, with tremendous success. Sponsored and organized by the Oregon Track Club Masters, the Oregon Marathon Relay is a long standing running tradition in Eugene, and Craig not only took on the challenge of continuing that tradition, he also helped the event regain some stature and popularity (the event participation tripled this year over 2007). Craig says that the most gratification he got from the race directing endeavor was seeing the positive experience that participants had, noting that everyone especially liked the team concept.

Craig turns 41 this week and finds himself as one of the top Masters runners in the country. Craig still covers 5K courses in the 16 minute range and admits to “Getting older at a faster rate than he’s getting slower.” Craig’s main goal this year is to make a run at a medal in the National Masters Track & Field Championships, where he hopes to break 33 minutes in the 10,000 meters. Craig has currently completed five marathons, with a 2:44 PR at Portland, but he says his favorite thus far is Eugene, where he finished as the top master in 2007 with a 2:45 clocking. He’s looking to repeat as Master’s champion in 2008.

Craig grew up in southern California, but gravitated to Oregon following the footsteps of both parents who went to Willamette University. When faced with career relocation options in 2003, Craig chose Eugene for two great reasons: it looked like a great place to raise his family, and of course, for the running. Craig started running in high school after severe leg problems as a child – both of Craig’s legs were twisted 90 degrees to the left. He went on to compete in college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, specializing in the 10,000 on the track and earned his degree in Industrial Technology. Craig’s enjoyed many professions along the way, including, concert promoter and computer software company owner and currently designs internet controlled thermostats while working on getting his pilot’s license. He’s also been a private coach, and currently serves as a consultant with other coaches.

Providing a great example of hard work, determination and teamwork, thanks Craig, for being a Monster Runner and an inspiration in our community.