Joe Kleinerman, a long-distance runner who helped found the New York Road Runners Club, died on Nov. 11. Cause of death was not released. He was 91.
Kleinerman spent 32 years working for the post office in New York, but his true passion was running. He ran approximately 500 races in his lifetime, and finished in 10th place in the 1941 and 1942 Boston Marathons.
A founding member of the Road Runners Club of America and its local New York chapter, Kleinerman helped organize the first New York City marathon in 1970. He also lobbied to grant women access to compete in races longer than a mile.
A scholarship fund has been established in his name by the New York Road Runners. Next spring, it will be awarded to a track star attending a New York City public school.
December 2, 2003 by
Joe Kleinerman
Categories: Sports
Joe was one of the greats in my mind. He was always there to help runners. I started running long distances in 1960 and still remember Joe at all the races. He was beloved by all. He cant be replaced.