Wendell Owens began his running career in the late 1970’s.  At that time, he enjoyed the Kettering Hospital exercise classes led by Lou Cox.  This led to a passion for running that included marathons, triathlons and ultra marathons.  His favorite of these was the JFK 50 mile Hike-Run in Maryland.  So enamored with this run, he encouraged MANY others to participate through the years and on his 50th birthday, 50 runners from the Dayton area participated in the JFK 50! 

 

Wendell was President of the ORRRC for many years in the 80’s & 90’s.  During his tenure the club grew to over 1,000 families and individuals.  In the early 90’s, Wendell was instrumental in the start of a new event for the ORRRC; the Bud Light Caesar Creek Triathlons, which added a new dimension to the ORRRC events and brought in participants from many states and countries. 

 

Wendell died in 2003 but he will always be remembered for his jovial personality and his immense drive & dedication to the Ohio River Road Runners Club.