Hall of Fame induction: 2002
Don Monagle has been a member of Pike Creek Valley Running Club since 1984. Now 71 years old, he did not start his running career until he was in his late forties. Since then, he has run 7 marathons, including 2 Bostons. At the age of 59, he ran in the 100th Boston in 1996 in a time of 3:28:47(he needed to run 3:35)
Some of Don’s past accomplishments include the following:
PCVRC Runner of the Third Quarter – 2000
PCVRC Outstanding Running Achievement – 1991
Male Golden Master Runner – 1988
Don can be seen running 4-5 days a week, about 20-25 miles per week in Arden and the Philadelphia Pike area. He also goes to the gym and works out with weights twice a week. Weather permitting he can be seen on the golf course 1-2 times a week. Don can be seen at many of the local races, always wearing the club colors.
Recently he added a few age group records to his resume in the “70 and over” category. They are as follows:
- 5K 22:34
- 10K 47:57
- 10 Miles 1:20:15
- Half Marathon 1:47:12
It is our pleasure to announce his induction into the Pike Creek Valley Running Club Hall of Fame.
From News Journal Obituary (January 2013):
Donald Edward Monagle
Age 82, of Wilmington, De., passed away peacefully at home after 10 years with multiple myeloma which he faced with undaunted grace and entered heaven on January 1, 2013.
He was born on August 7, 1930, the son of the late Edward and Alberta Monagle. He graduated from Wilmington High School in 1948. Don served in the US Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS HENLEY DD762 where he earned a Captain’s Honor Mast. Upon his return, he married his sweetheart, Alice Schofield.
Don then began a 43 year career at Hercules which later became Himont. During this time, he earned his associates degree from the Wharton School at the Univ. of PA. He also spent many summers working at the Brandywine Race Track. Don was a former president of the Northridge Civic Association. He was a long time parishioner at Holy Rosary Church in Claymont and served as a lector and on the Parish Council. Don was also a Man of Malvern and a 3rd degree Knight in the Christopher Council of the Knights of Columbus.
Don was a member of the Pike Creek Running Club since 1984 and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2002. He began his running career in his late forties. Since then, he had run 7 marathons, including 2 Bostons, the last one when he was 65. Despite having myeloma, which affects the bones, he continued to run because he was a competitor and loved it. He held many age group records for the State of Delaware. Most recently, he completed a series of four races sanctioned by the USTAF and Pike Creek. These were the Delaware Distance Classic 15k, a 5 miler in Radnor, the 6 mile run over the Walt Whitman Bridge and the Rothman 8k from the Philly marathon held on November 20, 2012. Don ran all of these within the last two months and all while his myeloma was in relapse. His determination to complete this series was an inspiration to us all. He also teased the family by telling us that for running these races, he would receive a free year’s membership to the Running Club. Don was to receive an 80-84 age group award at this year’s USTAF banquet at the end of January.
After retiring, and raising their seven children, Don and Alice got the chance to travel with family and friends to many places, including Ireland. He and Alice are long term members of the Irish Culture Club of Delaware.
Don helped to coach his sons in the Claymont Little League. He was also his grandchildren’s biggest fan. He was always seen in the stands at their games, matches, or art exhibits. He was frequently seen around Wilmington running, or working out at Schweitzers Gym or at Catherine Rooney’s with Alice’s extended Schofield family. All who knew him loved him.