One of America's greatest long distance running enthusiasts and the face of San Diego's Elite Racing, Mike Long, died Wednesday at his home in Mission Beach, Calif. Long, who friends and family believe died of a heart attack, was 65.
Well known for traveling the world to recruit professional runners to compete in the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series and the Carlsbad 5000, at times Long would have so many runners staying in his home that he would be left sleeping on his couch.
Although Elite Racing could not afford the customary fees paid to recruit the world's best runners to compete in its events, through the years Long built relationships with many top agents and athletes, which enticed many world class runners to compete.
"Do you think runners like Haile (Gebrselassie), Tirunesh Dibaba or Meseret Defar would come for a few thousand dollars in prize money if it weren't for Mike?" said agent Mark Wetmore to the San Diego Union Tribune. "They come to support Mike. He's literally changed people's lives with the opportunities he's given them."
"Elite Racing is losing a great athlete recruiter," said American marathon record holder Deena Kastor from Belgium, where she is training. "But the entire world of elite distance running is losing one of our favorite people.
"There was no one more endearing to see anywhere, whether you were at the world cross country championships in Dublin, Ireland or Mombasa, Kenya, a road race somewhere or in his own element in San Diego."
Long, who treated visiting athletes like family, was a stockbroker until 1990 when he was hired by Elite Racing. "He was the heart and soul of Elite Racing and our sport," said Tracy Sundlun, an Elite Racing vice president: "I don't know what we're gonna do."
Long is survived by a son, Scott; a daughter in Seattle; and two grandsons. Services are pending.
