Hall of Fame induction: 2000
Richard Webb started racing in Montreal in 1987. After moving to the USA a year later. He steadily improved to the point where his times have received national recognition, but he wants to believe the best is yet to come. A member of PCVRC for many years now, he is a board member and for the past five years an active contributor to the Distance Classic organizing team. Through his membership on the Mid-Atlantic USATF long distance committee, he has effectively promoted the Delaware running scene.
Twice the PCVRC Runner of the Year, he has also received regional recognition as the Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix Winner (1997, 1999), Masters Long Distance Runner of the Year (1997, 1999), and Masters Track Athlete of the Year (1997). Some of the performances that led to these awards include:
800M Gold Medal, US Senior Olympics, Orlando, 1999 (PR is 2:17:9 in 1997)
Mile 4:53 at Baynard Stadium, 1996
3000M 9:52 Gold Medal USATF Indoor Championships, Greensboro, NC, 19996
5K 16:49 PR several other sub 17’s in local Delaware races.
10K 35:15 PR (but 34:11 at The Great Race, Pittsburg, 1995)
15K 54:18 Gasparilla, Tampa 1997
10 Mile 57:04 Broad Street 1995
Half Marathon 1:16:57, Philadelphia 1996
Marathon 2:42:47 Boston 100 1996
Ultra one up and one down – Comrades’ Run south Africa (Silver Medal)
Almost all of the above times were run while he was in the 50-54 age group, he holds State age group records at all distances. He has run 29 marathons, in six countries, on four continents including a streak of 12 sub 2:50 races, in which he was a consistent age group winner including Marine Corps, Philadelphia, jersey shore (third overall) Delaware and Austin, TX.
Most of all Richard likes to race, averaging well over a race a week throughout his time in the US, with a record year of 117. His results even include 22 overall wins, including a marathon. Though he does train hard on the roads and on the track, his idea of preparation for a marathon not only has 100 mile weeks, but a 5K the day before. Unconventional, yes, but effective, obviously. As he has been relatively injury free, apart from a recent bout with sciatica. Through road racing Richard has been able to meet people and go to places undreamed of as a lacrosse playing youth. Like many runners, he sees the years ahead as new age groups and opportunities, not as growing old!!
Congratulations to Richard as he joins the Hall of Fame