Hal Higdon
| Hal Higdon | |
|---|---|
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| Born | June 17, 1931 |
| Occupation | Writer, Runner |
| Nationality | American |
| Genre | History, Sports |
Hal Higdon (born June 17, 1931) is an American writer and runner. He has contributed to Runner's World magazine longer than any other writer. He is the author of 34 books, including the best-selling Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide. He has worked as a freelance writer since 1959, and has written a variety of subjects including a children's book that was made into an animated feature. He ran eight times in the United States Olympic Trials and won four World Masters Championships. He is one of the founders of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA).
He grew up in Chicago, Illinois. In 1947, he participated in track at the University of Chicago's Laboratory School, placing fourth as a sophomore with a 5:04.7 mile. Due to switching schools, he did not run in his junior year, but he started again in his senior year and has been running ever since.
While attending Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, Higdon won the Midwest Conference titles in the mile, half-mile and cross-country. His best mile time (post-college time) was 4:13.6, and he had notable success at running long-distance races. He participated in the US Olympic Trials in 1952, running in the 10,000 meters race. Subsequently he entered the trials seven times over the years, with his best performance being fifth in the 3,000 meter steeplechase in 1960.
In 1959, Higdon's first marathon was the Boston Marathon, where he dropped out at 22 miles. Five years later, he led through 19 miles before being passed by Aurele Vandendriessche, who won the race. Higdon took fifth with a personal best of 2:21:55. As of 2006, he has completed 111 marathons and has won four overall victories and numerous age-group firsts. In his article, Demolition Derby published in the Michigan Runner, Higdon said, "We take our victories where and when we can get them."
Higdon has worked as a freelance writer since 1959, covering various subjects including politics for the New York Times Magazine, science for National Geographic, business for Playboy and aviation for Air & Space Smithsonian. In 1963, Sports Illustrated published his article "On the Run from Dogs and People," which was expanded into a book in 1971.
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