2024 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Hall of Fame Class
The DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and the Hall of Fame Committee inducted Kerry Green, Tom Heisey, Eric Shafer, and Sara Zambotti as its 16th class of inductees to the Pittsburgh Marathon Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony took place during the 2024 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon on Saturday, May 4.
KERRY GREEN
Kerry Green, a seasoned marathoner and healthcare professional, has left an indelible mark on the Western Pennsylvania running community and beyond. With a career spanning from 1974 to present, Green started his running journey as track and cross country athlete at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and an assistant coach at Ohio University. A highlight was representing IUP at the NAIA Nationals in the Marathon. Kerry’s prowess is evident in winning the 1976 AAU National 50 Mile Team Championship and maintaining a record of sub 3-hour Boston Marathons across five decades—a feat achieved by only five runners. Green’s victories include the Lake Tahoe Trifecta, numerous road half marathons, and age group wins in local and region races. Beyond racing, Kerry’s 38-year career in healthcare, directing cardiac rehab, wellness, and fitness programs, has been equally rewarding. Now retired, Kerry resides in North Central Ohio, staying active and exploring the country’s National Parks. Green has not raced since the pandemic but plans to make his return to a start line and run this year’s UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon. What the Pittsburgh Marathon means to Green: “The event is a great weekend to catch up with friends new and old and share good times. The dedicated team organizing the numerous Pittsburgh Marathon events, the City of Pittsburgh Great Race and EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler are top notch and always deliver professional, well run, fun experiences for all involved.”
TOM HEISEY
Tom Heisey’s running career, spanning from his high school beginnings in 1967 to an extensive array of events in his retirement, is marked by a remarkable injury-free record and a diverse experience across roads, trails, and mountains. His dedication to the sport extends beyond personal achievements; he has been a cornerstone in volunteering for the running community, starting with the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials hosted in Pittsburgh in 2000 and has played a pivotal role in the start line team for the Pittsburgh Marathon ever since. Heisey finds joy in facilitating races for runners of all levels, from seasoned athletes to newcomers, and thrives on the collective energy and anticipation at the start of each race. His commitment to creating safe and enjoyable events reflects his gratitude for the benefits running has brought him. What the Pittsburgh Marathon means to Heisey: “The Pittsburgh Marathon is an opportunity to have ordinary city streets become magical for a period to allow participants to do what they came to do: run for the podium, PR, run their first, run their first after surgery, illness or loss, or simply finish.”
ERIC SHAFER
Eric Shafer is a distinguished figure in the world of long-distance running and coaching. A two-time NCAA D2 Cross-Country All-American, he achieved a remarkable 31st place finish in the 1999 Boston Marathon and boasts a personal best marathon time of 2:24:04 from the 2000 Shamrock Marathon. His consistency is evident in his 37 consecutive years of running a sub-17 minute 5K. Beyond his personal achievements, Eric has dedicated 18 seasons to coaching high school cross-country and track, influencing young athletes at Bishop Canevin High School and Carlynton High School. The DICK’S Sporting Goods PIttsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events is a tradition for Shafer. He has participated in the event from 1996 until present, either as a marathon, marathon relay and half-marathon participant. What the Pittsburgh Marathon means to Shafer: “The Pittsburgh Marathon weekend is the city’s best running weekend of the year. The courses for both the half marathon and marathon encompass many of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and bring out a lot of spectators from serious running fans to non-runners who enjoy the experience of viewing the competition up close and taking part in the celebration of the city.”
SARA ZAMBOTTI
Sara Zambotti is a distinguished athlete with a remarkable track record. She earned the title of All-American six times in Division 2 Track and Cross Country at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her prowess in long-distance running was evident when she finished as the first U.S. women and seventh overall at the LA Marathon in 2012. That same year, she claimed victory at the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race. Additionally, she secured the top spot at the Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, setting her personal record with a time of 1:16:57. Sara also demonstrated her endurance with two top 10 female finishes at the JFK 50 miler in consecutive years, 2020 and 2021. Zambotti will be running this year’s DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. What the Pittsburgh Marathon means to Zambotti: “The Pittsburgh Marathon holds a special place in my heart. It was where I raced my first full marathon back in 2009 with a time of 2:59 and good for 9th place. I absolutely love racing during the marathon weekend because it is a race where I feel most at home, and It's always so invigorating to be surrounded by many familiar faces every year.”