STRIDER HALL OF FAME
2014 INDUCTEE
Pete Ireland
(Updated in March 2023)
Pete Ireland is long time member of the Saline County Striders. He has served as the secretary-treasurer, editor of the Arkansas Runner newsletter (recently renamed the Saline Strider), and race director for more than 40 Strider races in the past 20+ years. He has also directed a number of other races within Central Arkansas. In 2004 he was inducted into the Arkansas Roadrunners Hall of Fame. In 2004 he was also a recipient of an RRCA National Volunteer Award. In 2019 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the RRCA.
At a glance:
Strider Secretary-Treasurer 1993-96 & 2005 – 2015
Strider Newsletter Editor 1993 – present
Race Director of the following Strider races:
Arkansas 20k: 2000 – 2015
Arkansas Runner 2 Mile: 2004 – 2014
Arkansas Marathon: 2003 – 2009
Run With the Dogs 5k: 2010 & 2011
Sunset 6/12/24 Hour: 2011 – 2021
Eleven time Senior/Super Senior AURA Ultra Trail Series King of the Trail from 1992-93 to 2011-2012
Completed 130+ Arkansas Ultra Trail Series and other AURA runs and races from 1990 – 2013 including 11 100 mile and six 50 mile race finishes, along with numerous other marathons and ultramarathons up to 100k in Arkansas and in other states beginning in the 1980s. Since his induction into the Hall of Fame, he has completed 100 miles or more six times in multi-day races. Pete also completed several adventure races from 2001 to 2009.
He is a nine time Arkansas 20k finisher 1985- 1993 with a PR of 1:35:41
Co-Editor – The Saline Strider, 1996 RRCA Small Club Newsletter of the Year
RRCA National Volunteer Award – 2004
Pete is retired from the Little Rock VA Medical Center where he finished his career as the Assistant Chief of Human Resources. i Prior to joining the VA in 1967 he served as a US Army Intelligence Special Agent for 3 years and later did investigative work in the private sector. Originally from Los Angeles, California, he is a graduate of UCLA and has lived in Benton since 1972. He began running regularly in 1979, though in recent years has focused mostly on walking and hiking.
An avid trail runner, he is well known for his support of races and the running community. Pete can often be found helping at an aid station, clearing trails or helping set up race headquarters.
An active outdoorsman, Pete also enjoys hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, camping and reading. His daughter and family reside in Oregon.
Pete’s longtime dedication to the Striders and the running community at large has made him more than worthy of election to the inaugural 2014 class to the Saline County Striders Hall of Fame.