Activating Craig Virgin

CraigVirgin
Originally uploaded by jjactive2.

Craig Virgin is one of the top distance runners in U.S. history. But unlike the late Steve Prefontaine — the runner who preceded him and whose James Dean persona has given him a cult-like following — Virgin is a down to earth, likable guy who developed his hearty Midwestern work ethic growing up on his family’s farm in southwestern Illinois. Could that be why he never has gotten the attention he deserves?

The three-time Olympian boasts PRs including a 13:19 5K, a 27:29 10K, and a 2:10:26 marathon (second at Boston in 1981).

“My approach wasn’t sophisticated," he told us. "I would just go out and run as hard as I could.”

Virgin is now 50 years old — yes, time spins by. Above, in St. Louis's Forest Park for a Sunday afternoon photo shoot and bike ride, he's bookended by Activeness's John and JPD.