Dick Beardsley - Motivational Speaker
Motivational/Inspirational Speaker • Prescription Drug Addiction Survivor • Suicide Survivor of Loss • Farm Accident Survivor
• Record Breaking Marathon Runner • Second Place Finisher of the 1982 Boston Marathon • Minnesota Native • Author • Fishing Guide
• Innkeeper • Husband • Father • Co-Winner (with Inge Simonsen) of the 1981 London Marathon
• Record Breaking Marathon Runner • Second Place Finisher of the 1982 Boston Marathon • Minnesota Native • Author • Fishing Guide
• Innkeeper • Husband • Father • Co-Winner (with Inge Simonsen) of the 1981 London Marathon
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Dick Beardsley is among the world’s most respected and captivating motivational and inspirational speakers. He is the author of the internationally bestselling autobiography Staying the Course: A Runner's Toughest Race and the central figure of the acclaimed book Duel in the Sun: The Story of Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America's Greatest Marathon.
Dick has delivered keynote addresses at Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, conferences, conventions, corporate events, fundraisers, galas, sporting events, prisons, schools, and drug treatment centers, to name just a few. Wherever there’s a need for motivation, inspiration, and hope, Dick has been there. He has spoken to groups around the globe, from intimate audiences of five to gatherings of 15,000. Dick Beardsley’s faith is at the core of who he is. With an extraordinary gift for connecting deeply with his audience, he leads people through a journey filled with laughter, reflection, and a profound appreciation for life’s challenges and triumphs. In his talks, Dick shares his exhilarating highs, harrowing lows, and ultimately, his powerful journey from despair to redemption. Speaking directly from the heart, Dick inspires with his authenticity and resilience. One of Dick’s most remarkable qualities is his ability to see the positive in every situation, even amidst tremendous personal trials. This perspective has not only helped him overcome incredible challenges but has also shaped him into an inspiring figure for everyone who hears him speak. Dick’s message of perseverance and courage resonates with audiences, encouraging them to find strength and take the next step, even when the path seems impossible. Attendees will leave feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to face life’s challenges with renewed hope. Dick brings his listeners through moments of joy, sorrow, adversity, and triumph, leaving them with insights into what it takes to achieve greatness. |
For a brief moment in the early '80s Dick Beardsley became the most famous runner / athlete in the world - by losing a race. In the 1982 Boston Marathon, Beardsley, foiled by a motorcycle that cut him off near the end, finished two seconds behind Alberto Salazar in a contest often called one of the most memorable in marathon history. It was the closest finish ever at the world's premier marathon, and both runners broke the course record and the American record.
The story of Dick's running career alone is the stuff of legends, but it is the story that comes after that draws people in and keeps them listening. Dick is a true survivor. Having looked death straight in the eyes, numerous times, Dick's life is a story of hope and redemption.
After retiring from competitive running, Dick Beardsley endured a series of near-fatal accidents that led to a challenging battle with a narcotic addiction which included taking 80 – 90 Percocet, Valium and Demerol, a day. His journey of resilience and recovery resonates deeply with anyone who has faced daunting obstacles, pursued seemingly impossible goals, or overcome personal tragedy.
In October 2015, Dick experienced another profound loss when his beloved 31-year-old son, Andrew, an Iraq War veteran, tragically died by suicide. This heartbreak challenged Dick on the deepest personal level, compelling him to once again draw on his inner strength and faith to find a way forward.
Yet, with unwavering faith and determination, he continues to share his journey, spreading a message of hope and resilience.
Dick’s story goes beyond his legendary running career; it’s a story of survival, hope and triumph over life’s darkest moments that captivates audiences. He openly shares the highs and lows, the struggles and victories, reminding his audience that no roadblock or setback is insurmountable. His journey offers not only motivation but a powerful sense of hope, leaving listeners inspired to believe in their own strength and courage to take the next step, even when it feels impossible. Dick’s talk will leave the audience empowered to face life’s challenges and filled with hope for the journey ahead.
In October 2015, Dick experienced another profound loss when his beloved 31-year-old son, Andrew, an Iraq War veteran, tragically died by suicide. This heartbreak challenged Dick on the deepest personal level, compelling him to once again draw on his inner strength and faith to find a way forward.
Yet, with unwavering faith and determination, he continues to share his journey, spreading a message of hope and resilience.
Dick’s story goes beyond his legendary running career; it’s a story of survival, hope and triumph over life’s darkest moments that captivates audiences. He openly shares the highs and lows, the struggles and victories, reminding his audience that no roadblock or setback is insurmountable. His journey offers not only motivation but a powerful sense of hope, leaving listeners inspired to believe in their own strength and courage to take the next step, even when it feels impossible. Dick’s talk will leave the audience empowered to face life’s challenges and filled with hope for the journey ahead.
