Nathan Martin fastest marathon by American-born black athlete today

We don't need to talk about how Mantz is white because nearly every other good American distance runner is white. It's basically a dog bites man story. A native born black American running one of the fastest times in the country is somewhat exceptional, more in line with a man bites dog story. I have seen Nathan's name here and there but did not know he's black so for me mentioning his race gave me new information.

I also did not know that he worked a normal job. That's also new information to me. What is the job?

From what I recall from a podcast interview, he is/was a substitute teacher and High School coach.

Its pretty self explanatory man. Black americans are under represented in distance running. There are probably 50 mantz's for every martin. And he did something special while working a full time job. Its completely fine to make a note that hes an american born black man that has accomplished something noteworthy.

The idea that simply mentioning his race to you is..."making it all about race", tells me you probably do care a lot about race and maybe not in a good way.

Everyone certainly felt like talking about how Hall, Rupp, and even the Robertsons were white. Oh, let's not forget about Boling. If Mantz runs something actually fast for a white dude, then yes, his race would become relevant on this board.

Just seeing if I have this figured out.

1. A white fan is allowed to root for a black runner.

2. A black fan is allowed to root for a white runner.

3. A black fan is allowed to root for a black runner for no reason other than because the runner looks similar to the fan.

4. A white fan IS NOT allowed to root for a white runner for no reason other than because the runner looks similar to the fan.

Just making sure I understand the rules.

Right.

Letsrun posters don't root for white runners.

Thanks. I did that myself for a few years. It works well with serious running and the money today is a lot better than when I was doing it. Good for him.

I want to give a shout-out to the great Herm Atkins. Ran 2:11:52 way back in 1979 to finish 5th in the Olympic Trials. His grand-total career earnings came to under $7000, all earned from just 2 of his many, many races, with one of the two earning him over $6000.

Great read:

jackdogwelch.com

Original Gangsters Of Running (Herm Atkins)

JDW

For forty years, Herm Atkins has held the distinction of being the fastest native-born black American at the marathon distance. 2:11:52. But that’s not why he is an Original Gangster. We were…

Link:www.jackdogwelch.com/?p=21042

Wow a lot of white snowflakes out today … wish y’all would shut up and let us praise a great black American runner getting it done. Fox News got you sitting up and barking the tune whenever you hear the whistle.

ya brah whats with the dissent..this dude rules-

Correction, that time was in the OTC marathon.

What's more impressive is not only training in Michigan but in Jackson. Not a friendly running community like AA.

Prize money was a drop in the bucket back in the day. Most of the money was in appeance fees and shoe company bonuses. There was also unpublished prize money.

I'm positive Herm took home much more than the published earnings.