Member of the Month - Denis McCarthy
- St. Louis Track Club
- May 19
- 2 min read
Denis McCarthy started running with the Track Club when he moved to St. Louis in 2006. At that point he had completed 13 marathons, and ran with the club’s then Saturday marathon training group runs. He found it was the best way to get connected with runners in town and critically learn all the great running haunts that St. Louis has.
19 years later, and Denis has just finished his 555th marathon/ultra marathon. He’s completed the 50 States Marathon eight times, and two of those times were for ultra marathons.
“I may be the only one with that record,” McCarthy says.”But maybe not. Still, it’s a fun (for me) data point.”
Running since: 2002
Next race: 5/24, Pineland Farms 50k, Maine; 5/25, Burlington Vermont Marathon; 5/31, Fargo (North Dakota) Marathon; 6/1, Billings (Montana) Marathon; 6/7, Bear Lake Marathon, Wyoming; 6/8, Bear Lake Marathon, Utah
Do you have any pre-race/run rituals or superstitions?
Grease up, especially my feet/toes (some have seen my foot and are still in recovery). Also, allow plenty of time for pre-race bathroom visits.
If you could run a race/run anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
This is a hard one for me…probably Connemara, Ireland, on one of my trips there (Did I mention I’m Irish?).
What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you while running?
During a 24-hour race in Missouri I saw camels and other exotic animals during the night. Not hallucinations... a performing circus let them out to pasture for a few hours before loading them up.
What's your favorite post-run indulgence?
Hanging around and talking to anyone who listens to me. I’m told I talk a lot! Chocolate milk is a wonderful post-race reward.
Who's your running inspiration, and why?
Ultra runner Harvey Lewis. A schoolteacher who runs to/from school every day. His endurance ability is stunning, breaking the Backyard Ultra Record with 450 miles. Yet, an incredibly humble and fun guy to be around.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to a new runner?
Be patient. Starting out is the hardest. Build slowly over time. Most injuries come from rushing it.
Besides running, what's another hobby or passion of yours?
Are you allowed to have other hobbies/passions? I enjoy my work, car maintenance and trips home to Ireland. I can tell some stories too.
Finish this sentence: “Running is my…”
Medicine. It’s not the running per se…. it’s the runners you meet that become your community.
What is your favorite memory with the Track Club?
Getting to explore all the local running haunts with the Track Club when I arrived in St. Louis. I love the monthly runs and now the Saturday Trail runs have my attention when I’m in town.
Do you run with any other clubs in the area?
I run with everyone...but most consistently with BWC on Wednesdays, St. Louis Trail Runners on Tuesday/Thursdays along with SLTC, HRF and local running stores.
