Steve Frederickson

Knee and back problems finally nailed the lid shut on my 50+ year running career. I am still walking half marathons and marathons that have walk divisions or generous time limits. To date I have completed 174 marathons and ultramarathons, and I have run a marathon or ultramarathon on each of the seven continents.

I initially worked at Boeing from 1973 until I retired in 2003. I spent most of that time working as a corporate video producer for various training departments. After retirement, I worked for Intrepid Learning Solutions, a start-up company in Seattle, and the University of Washington. After leaving the UW, I taught English as a Second Language for Rainforest Expeditions at two eco lodges they operate in the Peruvian rainforest. After returning from Peru, I worked as a contract employee for my old group at Boeing until Oct 2008, when I was rehired as a full-time employee. I retired for good in 2010.

My most embarassing moment came during the 1961 Highline Relays. The event was the 100 yd hurdle shuttle relay (a really stupid idea for a race), and I was responsible for setting up any hurdles that were knocked over during the event. I was stationed near the finish line, and when the runner came by and knocked over the hurdle, I rushed onto the track to set up back up for the runner who was getting the handoff. I wasn't quite fast enough. The next runner came rushing down the track as I was putting the hurdle back up. I panicked and ducked down behind the hurdle just as the runner reached it. He crashed into it and both he and the hurdle landed on top of me. I remember hearing a loud gasp from the crowd as we rolled around in a heap on the track. Luckily, neither the runner nor myself were injured. The race was restarted, and this time it went off without incident.