The Infancy of Endurance in Arizona
By Sue Berliner

Who would have thought the streets of Phoenix could set and shatter records other than those related to traffic violations and accidents?

Before Paradise Valley Mall opened for business as usual on January 27, 1985, something amazing transpired on the streets around the mall. Sixty-six men ran 30:30 or better and 51 went 30:00 or below at a 10K road race. Those records are unlikely to be reached again.

In the late 70’s to early 90’s, Arizona became a training and racing oasis in the desert for running, multisport and cycling. World class athletes and events set up camp.

Bruce Bickford led that record setting field with a 28:17 at the Runner’s Den 10K. Launched in 1979, the race was developed around running legend Bill Rogers who wintered in the Valley. While Rogers wore Number 1, University of Arizona All American Tom Hunt won the first five years and set American 10K records. Five weeks after Bickford led the amazing field on March 2, Mark Menow set the current American 10K Road record (27:48) in Phoenix at the defunct Continental Homes 10K. The North Bank/Phoenix 10K drew top fields as well.

In 1978 the 8th edition of The Fiesta Bowl Marathon ranked 9th in the nation among marathons with its downhill course from Carefree to Scottsdale Community College. Fountain Mountain Triathlon (the states first half IM distance debuted in 1981 with 150 athletes. One year later, entrants filled the 800 field limit. The USTS Bud Light Triathlon Series and Coors Light Duathlon Series staged races at Lake Pleasant and Estrella. Cycling training camps, pro and elite teams wintered in Arizona. In 1992, Motorolla introduced their professional team (including a young Lance Armstrong) to the world.

The state also attracted and grew world class talent, a few notables include Steve Scott, Trina Painter, and Lisa Martin. Ed Mendoza was one of Arizona’s first Olympian’s. A few multisport talents were Angela French, Barb Locke, Brent Steiner, Jimmy Riccitello, Jonathon Grinder and George Esehak-Gage. “It was friendly, respectful rivalry,” said Grinder when summing up the endurance scene at the time.

“The emphasis was on competition not winning and loosing. We were pioneers defining the sport. It was all about the adventure, training hard, friendships and fun, not on coaching and expensive equipment. We travelled every weekend: Prescott Triathlon, Yuma Tin Man, Flagstaff Mountain Man.”

What follows are profiles of just a fraction of Arizona’s finest from the late 70’s to early 90’s. They all have great insight, though not enough room here to share it all. Their common thread: hard training, lifelong friends and fun ruled. So read, learn and have some fun.