Herb Kirk

Herb Kirk (October 2, 1895 – October 3, 2001 in Bozeman, Montana) was an American centenarian. Many of his most accomplishments came well after his retirement.

In 1993, he was the oldest graduate of Montana State University, quite possibly the oldest college graduate of any institution at age 96, with a degree in Art.

He was an avid tennis player. The Herb Kirk Junior Open, held at Montana State University is named in his honor. When his eyesight failed in his 80's he took up running. Since that time, he amassed Masters Athletics World Records in the M95 800 metres and Mile run. He formerly also held the record for 5000 metres. At one point in time, Kirk held every American record between 200 metres and 5000 metres. From age 85 on, he was the first competitor in each of those age divisions of Masters athletics.

In June 1999, he ran and completed the Governor's Cup 5K road race, along with four other generations of the Kirk family, which is believed to be a unique occurrence. At age 104 and 6 months, this is believed to be the oldest athlete to compete in an organized running event and second only to thrower John Whittemore in any athletic event.

Kirk grew up in Pennsylvania and originally attended Lehigh University. That education was interrupted by World War I. He joined the Navy Flying Corps. At age 104, he was given the rank of Chevalier in the French Legion of Honour (Légion d'Honneur) for his service in the protection of France during the war.

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