158: Ted Corbitt – The Father of American Ultrarunning – Part One

Ted Corbitt, from New York City, has been called “The Father of American Ultrarunning.” Today, most ultrarunners have not even heard his name and do not understand what he did for the sport that we enjoy today. Ultrarunning has existed for more the 200 years, but with the Great Depression and World War II, it went on a long hiatus in America. Because of Corbitt’s efforts, running past the marathon distance took root in the New York Ciry area, starting in the late 1950s.



Not only was he a world-class runner, but he became a talented administrator, coach, and race director that made huge contributions toward innovations to the sport that we take for granted today. All ultrarunners need to take time to learn who this man was and not let the memory of him fade. He was the first person to be inducted into the American Ultrarunning Hall of Fame. Because of his significance to the sport, this will be a multi-part article/episode.