USATF Foundation Ultimate Art Auction spotlights Alberto Salazar, American distance running legend

INDIANAPOLIS - The USA Track & Field Foundation has announced Alberto Salazar will be among the distance running greats that will appear on a commissioned piece of art entitled, "Running Legends: A Signature Piece," honoring 12 of the greatest living American distance runners of all time. All proceeds from the auction will benefit USA Track & Field Foundation grant programs for emerging elite athletes and youth clubs.

CLICK HERE OR IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW

In addition to Alberto, the piece created by renowned artist Roald Bradstock, includes the likenesses and original signatures of Joan Benoit Samuelson, Frank Shorter, Billy Mills, Bill Rogers, Jim Ryun, Dave Wottle, Steve Scott, Bob Schul, Mary Slaney, Lynn Jennings and Craig Virgin.

Interested parties may bid on ebay.com beginning Friday, June 18 at 1:30 PM EST and ending on Sunday, June 27 at 1:30 PM EST, the last day of the Outdoor National Championships in Des Moines, IA. Please insert item number “130397667863” into the search box to access the auction web page.

Additionally, 25 limited edition prints (also with original signatures) will be available for purchase for $2,500. Interested parties may contact USATF Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic at tom.jackovic@usatf.org or (412) 398-2484 for more information.

ALBERTO SALAZAR BIOGRAPHY:

Date of Birth: August 7, 1958
USATF Hall of Fame Induction: 2001

Events
5,000 Meters (13:11.93)
10,000 Meters (27:25.61)
Marathon (2:08:11)

Havana-born Alberto Salazar had his first running success at Wayland (Mass.) High School, before embarking on an outstanding career at the University of Oregon. While running for the Ducks under Hall of Fame coach Bill Dellinger, Salazar helped Oregon win the 1977 NCAA title. He was still in college when he moved up from running on the track to the formidable challenge of the marathon. In 1980, he won his first New York City Marathon in 2:09.41 -- a world-record debut at the time. The next two years, he repeated as winner of the New York City Marathon. His 1981 victory broke the 12-year-old world best with a 2:08.13 time, but the race was found to be short. One of his most memorable victories came in the 1982 Boston Marathon when he and fellow American Dick Beardsley ran virtually stride for stride until Salazar's finishing kick brought him a course record of 2:08.52. As a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic team, Salazar placed 15th in the marathon. Though best remembered for his marathoning exploits, he also excelled on the track, setting American records in the 5000 (13:11.93) and the 10,000 (27:25.61). Overall, he set eight U.S. records and won a silver medal in the 1982 world cross country championships. Salazar was elected to the National Long Distance Running Hall of Fame in 2000. He has worked as a restaurateur, coach and advisor for Nike.

Records Held
American Record: 5,000 Meters - 13:11.93 (July 6, 1982)
American Record: 10,000 Meters - 27:25.61 (June 26, 1982

Championships
1984 Olympics: Marathon (15th)

Education
High School: Wayland (Wayland, Massachusetts), 1976
Oregon (Eugene, Oregon), 1981

Occupation
Coach
Running Entrepreneur

The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track & field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging elite athletes, distance training centers and anti-doping education. The Foundation depends upon donations from its Board of Directors and from generous fans of track & field.

ALBERTO SALAZAR