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The Athletics Illustrated Person of the Week honours for the week of July 20, 2020, is Rod Dixon. Dixon, the New Zealand distance-running legend who competed internationally in the 1500-metre event to the marathon celebrated his 70th birthday last week by raising money for his charity Rod Dixons Kidsmarathon Foundation.

You can continue to donate, here>>

Rod Dixon winning the 1983 NY City Marathon in 2:08:58, Geoff Smith of the UK finished second (laying on asphalt).

Dixon is often referred to as, the most versatile runner ever. Although some could argue, any debate comes to a halt when one considers his versatility when also taking into account the longevity of his career.

Dixon is a two-time World Cross Country Championships medallist and an Olympian with a bronze medal in the 1500-metre event. In his very first steeplechase race in 1974, he set a national record with an 8:29 performance. He also ran a 2:08:58 marathon (personal best), with his stunning, 1983 New York City Marathon victory.

Dixon’s charity is about getting kids active.

“The KiDSMARATHON program is an eight to ten week “In School” running and nutrition educational program that enables the kids to complete a full marathon (26.2 miles) by running approximately 3 miles per week (5K).

Throughout the program, the kids learn the value of good exercise and nutrition habits for healthy living and, best of all, they have fun! Don’t just take our word for it, watch and listen to what the kids have to say!”

Rod Dixon’s profiles
World Athletics 
Athletics Illustrated 
Kidsmarathon
Olympic.org

 

Rod Dixon and Christopher Kelsall at GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon. Photo credit: Christopher Kelsall.

The Athletics Illustrated Person of the Week recognition is an endeavour that aims to recognise noteworthy or newsworthy achievements, actions or events in the sport of athletics by individuals who are involved or have affected the sport in some way.

The weekly decision will be the discretion of Athletics Illustrated, however, input from readers is welcome.

At the end of each year, the Person of the Week honours will be reviewed and featured along with a Person of the Year recognition taken from the list of weekly honours.

If you feel someone should be recognised, please register, login, and provide the person’s name and reason.