Gordon Sanders

Year Inducted: 2009

 

 

Personal Records:
5K ... 13:52
8K ... 22:39
10K ... 28:22
Marathon ... 2:22:39
 

Favorite distance: 10K

Favorite race: Bolder Boulder 10K

Favorite runner: Bob Schul

Favorite location to run: John Bryan State Park, Ohio


Gordon was a nine time All-American at Hillsdale College in Michigan where he also won the 1981 NAIA 10K National Championship. From 1986 through 1992 Gordon basically earned his living on the USA road racing circuit while living in Dayton, Ohio and training under the guidance of Olympic gold medalist and coach Bob Schul. During that time Gordon was twice ranked in the World Top 100 road racers by Runner's World magazine (52th and 29th). While living and training in Dayton he won the 1991 TAC (now USATF) 10K Road National Championship and that same year was the 8K National Championship runner-up. He qualified for the 1992 USA Olympic Trials in the 10K and the marathon. He ran the 10K at the trails. Gordon is a three time winner of the prestigious Minster Oktoberfest 10K (1989, 1990, 1996). 

After a career of racing the 10K distance, Gordon decided to test his stamina and speed at the marathon distance. In 1996 he placed 2nd overall at the Marine Corps marathon with a finish time of 2:25:06. In 1996 he finished 3rd overall with a time of 2:22:39 at the Memphis marathon. 

As a master's runner, Gordon continued to showcase his talent with the following efforts: 30:36 at the Minster Oktoberfest 10K at the age of 40; 1:09:04 at the St Jude Memphis half-marathon at age 43; 2:37:52 (top master and 4th overall) at the Rocket City marathon at age 44; 2:37:35 at the Chicago marathon at age 44; 2:39:26 (2nd in master's) at the New York City marathon. 

Since 2004, Gordon has been the head coach for both the men and women cross country teams at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Previously, he was the head distance coach at Murray State University (1997-2000). Gordon still visits Dayton as often as he can, holding close ties to many in the Dayton area running community. He currently lives in Princeton, Kentucky with his wife Tammi.