Brett Winegar

Age: 41
Events: Mile through 50K, Roads, Trails, Cross Country, and Track
Hometown: Kalispell, MT
College competed for: University of Oregon, Michigan State University, Flathead Valley Community College, Montana State University

Personal Bests

Mile - 4:16
5K - 14:55
10K - 30:41
Half Marathon - 1:09:35
Marathon - 2:23:11

Career Highlights

2 time High School State Champion in the 3200 meters

Footlocker Finalist in high school (1998)

Junior College XC National Champion (2001)

All American at the US Marathon National Championships - 14th American and 23rd overall (NYC) (2009)

About

I grew up in Kalispell, MT. Neither of my parents were involved in sports. However they really encouraged my siblings and me to get out and try anything and everything. I loved competing in a variety of sports from the time I was 5 years old and was always very self driven to be successful. My dad worked at the local Aluminum factory--a massive complex where tons and tons of aluminum ore would be melted down into aluminum daily, and shipped out by train. There's no doubt that a significant part of my own drive to succeed was a result of my dad's drive to provide for our family.

High school is were I found passion for running specifically. I was surrounded by incredible coaches, teammates, and possibly one of the best running environments one could ask for. The trails in the mountains of Western Montana became my training ground. Through high school and college I learned and read about Author Lydiard, Bill Bowerman, Bill Dellinger, Franker Shorter, Bill Rodgers, Kathrine Switzer, Joan Benoit, John Walker, Peter Snell, Rod Dixon, Dick Beardsley, Paula Radcliff, and many others. I continue to pick up a new book every now and then that spotlights a runner or coach--and they continue to inspire me.

Running has giving me so much--I know that I'm not alone in this regard. I have a family wherever I go in the running community. I love to compete. I love to explore the mountain trails, new and old with friends. It's in my blood and always will be.