Larry Barrett, Wichita, began running in junior high and continued in high school, holding the Kansas State High School Record for the quarter mile (49:9) for a period of time. During college years Barrett lettered in track and cross country at Friends University. He later expanded to longer races and started running half and full marathons in the 1980s. Barrett, 67, will wear bib No. 109 in the Eisenhower Marathon this Saturday.

Barrett describes his best marathon effort as being the New York Marathon in 1996, which he finished in 2:59:49; however his personal record was set in the Seattle Marathon which he finished in 2:59:31. Barrett has taken first place in his age group at the Madison Marathon in 1996, the Maui Marathon in 1997, Pike's Peak Marathon and the Catalina Island Marathon in 1998, the Whiskey Row Marathon in 1999, and the Country Music Marathon in 2000.

Barrett has also competed in Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Boston, as well as London, England; Athens, Greece; Helsinki Finland and Dublin Ireland. He has completed 88 marathons to date.

Barrett's maintenance training for marathons involves running 25-35 miles per week. When training seriously, he will run 50-55 miles weekly.

"The hardest part about the marathon distance for me is between the 14th & 16th mile," Barrett said. "I struggle on hot, humid days, too."

Barrett hopes to remain competitive within my age group for many years and to run quality marathons in under four hours.

"I advise new runners to join a running club, get into a training group and run within yourself," Barrett said. "Quality marathon training takes 18 weeks to complete. You need to enjoy the running experience!"

The Eisenhower Marathon will begin at 7 a.m. and includes a half marathon, 5K, 10K and Community Walk as well as children's races. For more information call the Red Cross office at 263-2341.

Other 2005 Articles

• News
• Bartoletti Feature
• Kotulsk Feature

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