Norman Bright

Norman "Norm" Bright (January 29, 1910 – August 29, 1996) was an American long distance runner, mountaineer, and teacher. Bright once held the American record in the two-mile run.

Bright was the son of a school principal and a teacher. Born in Mossyrock, Washington, he was one of eleven children. Bright's mother reportedly rubbed olive oil into his legs as an infant when she was told by a doctor that her son was not "moving and working his muscles enough". Bright attended Western Washington University where he earned a teaching degree, Stanford University where he earned a bachelor's degree, and Miami University where he earned a master's degree in counseling.

During World War II, Bright served in the United States Army. He was initially rejected due to a slow pulse, however, he went to another enlistment center after running three miles to raise his heart rate. In 1945, Bright married Franca Fiorentino whom he had met in New York City. The couple had one daughter, and later divorced. Bright moved to Seattle in 1966 and worked for the Seattle School District as a psychologist.

Bright participated in the Olympic trials in 1936, but failed to qualify, finishing fifth in the 5,000 metres after twisting an ankle collapsing in the 100 degree temperatures that had a third of the field unable to finish the race. He was the winner of the 1937 Bay to Breakers, setting the course record as the first man to run under 40 minutes. That same year, he set a course record of 47:22 at the Dipsea Race, but finished second due to the handicapped nature of the event. Thirty-three years later in 1970, he won the event. The Norman Bright Award is given for "Extraordinary Effort in the Dipsea".

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