This news made me really sad. Ed was a real inspiration.
He seemed like a secret you could spring on people who didn't know him - sort of like knowing of a secret super hero: "there is this guy who ran sub three in his seventies". It gave me a sense of pride or hope even just knowing that a human could defeat aging as he did.
I wish I could live forever, and Ed made it seem possible.
Ed was the genuine article, and his likeness won't be seen ever again. We should all try to act with class and integrity like him. RIP Ed.
glad to have had the chance to see him crush the age WR for 15k last November in Schenectady by 13 min I think, RIP Ed
Hopefully he's running up the stairs of heaven right now in record time.
RIP ED, and my condolences to the Whitlock family.
KudzuRunner wrote:
I never met him, never watched him run a race. But he was an inspiration to me, and I'm sure to many older runners here.
Some people show you where the ceiling is. Some people raise the ceiling. A few rare souls gently take you up through the ceiling and show you the stars.
Ed's lesson was that night-sky lesson. It's up to you how you live your life. You can make your own rules, live with gentleness, kindness, and honor, and help your fellow strivers. Or not.
Thanks, Ed.
Thank you KudzuRunner for such a thoughtful reflection, Ed took us all through the ceiling so many years.
Half Fool wrote:
Well said...
observer of posting trends wrote:LR is a very divisive place. But there have always been a handful of personalities whose auras rose above the conflict and united the board.
Ed Whitlock was #1.
Not only are Ed's performances astounding, but nobody even on LR accused him of PED use. Or of course-cutting, or any other unethical behavior. He might be the only runner in the history of this board who has commanded this much respect.
agree
Karl. I agree with you and I'd like to add humility. His interviews reeked of humility. Something our society could use a little more of.
Tonight for the first time ever I went for a run in the graveyard near my house. There were footprints in the snow. Others had been there before. EW RIP.
God bless and happy trails Ed.
Your like will not be seen for a long time.
Good luck on the other side, Ed. You will be sorely missed. Inspiration for all of us mere mortals.
I wish I had a chance to meet him.... rip ed.... 30 years from now I'm coming for your records... I doubt I can get them or run even close.....but thanks for the long term goal. Sad day...
Crying my eyes out right now.
Really enjoyed all the kind words for our Hero.
Damn terrible news. Saw it on Facebook came here and saw the black page.
Always expected to see him breaking records in his 90s and on.
Without a doubt one of the greats. And brave enough to wade to this place from time to time. Godspeed Mr. Whitlock.
I still have not topped his age 73 marathon time, but he is truly an inspiration to me. RIP Ed
I knew him. I was a timer in Buffalo. The first time Ed showed up on my system, I was sure I was going to have to fix a problem -- either I typed this guy's age wrong, or someone else was wearing the old guy's number.
So I went to find some Canadians to ask and had my answer immediately -- Oh, that's Ed. Nothing wrong.
And nothing was wrong. I marvelled at his performances. We all did.
What a guy.
we'll miss ya Ed.
One of my best held LRC memories is the privilege of a simple response from Mr Whitlock on a thread here, many years ago. It was an honor that I'll never forget.
An abiding inspiration to runners all over the world.
A universal hero.
Here in Israel we salute you Ed.
I received a real jolt on entering letsrun today -
But you went out still at the top -
Smashing age group world records.
Your memory is a blessing for evermore
The long interview:
Cried when I saw this, I think we've all lost a good friend and incredible human being. Thanks for running, Ed.
I only learned about Ed a year or so ago from these boards, and I fell smack in love. Rest in peace, to a once in a lifetime kind of runner.
What a legend! Last fall sometime, I was looking through some old track stuff and found the program from the 1977 Toronto Star/Maple Leaf Games and I found that I had seen Ed win the Masters 880 in 2:05 that night, now more than 40 years ago. I then saw him at the Stockadeathon in Schenectady last November and had a nice chat with him after his great run there. He was the best.