MIKE LONG VERY SAD NEWS

Anyone know where to send cards? Or any of the arrangements?

Wait a minute. Are you talking about Mike Long, from Elite Racing????

yes

Mike was elite athlete coordinator for Elite Racing, Carlsbad 5K, Rock N Roll Marathon etc. He had great respect from everyone in the sport.

Mike Long, the elite coordinator for Carlsbad, the Rock 'n Roll races, etc.?? Very sad. A good man.

He will be sorely missed..... a great man. This saddens me so.

Rest in peace my friend. Mike had a way of making everyone feel special. He will be missed.

The World of Road Racing lost a real gem today.He will be sorely missed. I use to see him checking the computer at many road events, and what website did he always check, you got it, Letsrun.com. We will miss you, "Be like Mike"

Thank you to all the respondents who had kind words about Mike. In our mind they are more than deserved, and they are very appreciated by all of his friends and colleagues. When we have news about his funeral arrangements, they will be posted here. In the meantime, again, on behalf of both Elite Racing and all of Mike's friends and family, thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers.

this is sad news, just on april 3rd 2 days after carlsbad, i went to a party he had at a restaurant and he brought meseret defar, and 2 other ethiopian girls, also ryan and sarah hall were there jen rhines gabe jennings and many others, everyone had a great time.

I would just like to say Mike Long was a total professional to me. He and I had just emailed one another roughly 3 weeks ago. He invited me to the Philadelphia Half Marathon and offered me a hotel for 4 nights. Rest assured I will be in the best shape of my life to thank him in my own way. Im very saddened to hear this news. My condolences to the elite racing staff and family.

SGT Nate Pennington

WCAP, Fort Carson

What sad news. Mike was a great person and one of the sport's best supporters. So professional, so generous, so caring. He will be missed.

I'm really going to miss Mike, one of my key influences in my own career working with athletes. Such a warm person, but also a tremendous professional who had a wonderfully diplomatic approach. He never talked down to anyone. Thanks to Victah for posting the photo gallery.

David Monti

For those that never knew him, Mike Long was possibly the nicest, kindest and most generous man I ever met, in track and field or anywhere else. From the moment I met him, he gave me every chance in the world to be involved with top runners at Elite Racing events, simply because he knew that I appreciated it.

In the few years that I was lucky enough to call Mike a friend, I saw so many examples of his limitless generosity that I struggle to sort them all out. Whether it was digging into his own pocket to help an athlete out, or being the last one to leave the airport and miss dinner because someone's flight was delayed, he never wavered in his desire to make sure that everyone was cared for and felt included.

After I learned of Mike's death, I spoke to a number of friends who had all known Mike as I had, as a kind and endearing man with limitless energy and drive, and a boundless heart. He was a man who would give you the shirt off of his back without thinking twice about it. It was just who he was.

Like everyone else who knew him, I am very sad today. I am sad that the sport has lost one of its greatest treasures and one of its finest gentlemen. But I am also sad on a very personal level, because the friend that I thought would always be there, constant as his unrelenting smile, won't be there any more. It's going to be a very hard thing to enjoy Elite Racing events or beers at Rosie O'Grady's without him, but I knew Mike well enough to know that he wouldn't want us to stop enjoying the sport or our own company simply because he couldn't come anymore.

So, the best that we can do is remember Mike for the wonderful person that he was, and follow the examples that he set, for his thoughtfulness, generosity, sense of humor, tireless work ethic and his limitless heart. As I said to a number of people on the phone yesterday, to say, 'he will be missed' would be a terrible understatement.

We are all terribly sad that you are gone, Mike, but I know that we also feel so lucky that we could call you a friend. We miss you already.

Hardworking, great man with a wonderful vision for the sport. He will be missed.

-Eric Heintz

Atlanta Track Club

I remember the 2005 rock and roll marathon when i spoke to elfnesh alemu and gezahegn abera after the race. Gezahegn told me that elfnesh was not supposed to run that marathon but she did it because mike asked her to. He said we owe Mike so much. It was obvious to me from this very short conversation that this guy was very special. Weeks later elfnesh's decision to run cost her a spot on the world championship team. Many Ethiopians will be morning his death. We need all the help we can get and Mike was there for our runner. Now we are left with a void.

Very sad

I trust the world of running realizes the loss it has sustained with the passing of Mike. He was the most wonderful and caring guy who was a friend to all. He gave of himself to everyone he met. His beautiful smile and love and care for all will be his legacy. He will be missed.

I had the pleasure of assisting Mike with the Elite Athletes for several Elite Racing events in 1998-99. Mike was one of the nicest, straightforward, fair playing and respected men I have ever known. It was a great pleasure and honor working with him and he will be greatly missed.

Scott Winrow

is this the same Mike Long that the Florida State track is named after?

Nonetheless, a great loss to the running community.

RIP