"I am still reflecting on the impact that you had on the women when you came out to speak at the Dwight Correctional Facility. They are so appreciative of the opportunity and most have commented that they have never experienced anything like that in their lives and that you would not only share your story but that you would want to share with them. They were captivated by your down to earth approach and making them feel special, but yet not different from anyone else...just women who made mistakes and are doing everything they can to change and learn from this and other mistakes. I hope that I will be able to continue to talk with them about your visit and see and feel that it has impacted their lives as much as mine. I cannot thank you enough for making the day special for these women!"Carolyn Trancoso, Warden, Dwight Correctional Center

"Our students enjoyed listening to Dick Beardsley's presentation. They were interested in the race; they laughed at the bad luck, but when Dick told our grade 11's and 12's that he was a drug addict, I heard a shocked silence. At the end of the presentation--the bell had signaled the beginning of noon hour--the students stayed in their seats, totally mesmerized by Dick's story. He made a difference too many of our students." Rita Button, Vice Principal, Lambrick Park Secondary School

"I have sat in on several of Dick's talks and have to admit; I've cried at each and every one of them. It was absolutely inspiring to watch the impact Dick had at my son's high school in 2008. Dick captivated 625 students for well over an hour. Kids were laughing and crying, and when he finished the entire student body erupted in a rousing 3 minute standing ovation! I'll never ever forget it. There was magic in the air. For the next week my son had countless students and come up to him to say Dick was by far the best speaker the school had ever had." Dave Shelbourne, New Balance

"Powerful, motivating and entertaining! Quite simply Dick Beardsley is an amazing individual and an outstanding speaker. During his presentation to over 1,000 of our students he had them laughing, crying and completely captivated. Dick's energy and passion allow him to connect with the audience. The many challenges he has overcome while running and in life, makes his message of "staying the course" very really and meaningful. Dick Beardsley is a unique individual with the ability to impact and make a difference in a person's life. The students and staff appreciated and benefited from his presentation." Murry Allen, Vice-Principal, Oak Bay High School, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

"I had the privilege of hearing Dick Beardsley make a speech at York High School.  It was one of the most inspiring speeches I have ever heard.  It really touched my heart.  I recommend Dick as a speaker without reservation.  He has a message that everyone should hear."  Joe Newton, Cross Country Head Coach

"Dick is a gifted speaker and human being. His ability to speak to thousands over the period of a year makes an enormous impact on everyone and their own well being. He is an exceptional role model for youth as evident with his visits to hundred of schools in the U.S. and Canada. He has had struggles and has overcome challenges many of us could not imagine. Dick brings his lessons of life to so many who leave their time with him touched and empowered for the better. Having worked with runners and speakers for events for over 30 years, Dick is the most exceptional and down to earth guy who constantly gives back to everyone he encounters. His story telling is of a gold medal performance every time out. As one student said to me after one of his school talks -"That was EPIC!". As one of our community therapeutic running program members said to me - "That was life changing for me - thank you for having me attend." The experience in a school gym of 1,000 students sitting on the edge of their seats totally attentive to the twists and turns of his life experiences gives me hope that our the next generation will lead us to a healthy heartfelt future." Rob Reid, United Way, Telus Community Board, Frontrunners Footwear Victoria Ltd., Royal Victoria Marathon Society, Every Step Counts and Woodwynn Farms, Victoria, BC

"Dick Beardsley is no country bumpkin from Minnesota. I had no hesitation in suggesting Dick as a motivational speaker to our student success initiative. I was anxious to have him visit our schools and knew he would relate to our rural and urban audiences. What I was not prepared for were the emails that arrived the next day. Dick's visit to the Thames Valley District was described to me as one of the most powerful messages given to our students by a motivational speaker. To capture the hearts and attention of approximately three thousand teenagers for an hour speaks volumes to Dick's passionate message and his ability to engage an audience. Dick's visit to our school brought a message of the importance, in believing in yourself, pursuing dreams, healthy active living, addressing substance abuse and compassion. Dick's life story touches every member of his audience." Chris McCrady, Vice-Principal, West Elgin Secondary School, West Lorne, ON

"Dick was an absolutely phenomenal speaker! We have received such wonderful feedback from both treatment groups of Intensive Outpatient, Drug Court, and the family members that attended. Thank you, Dick, for sharing your story and being so completely open about your addiction, as we all benefited in so many ways. I have new family members in my support group due to them coming to your presentation! Your presentation prompted an excellent discussion in my family support group, as well. What a gift you gave us!" Denise R. Leeby, MSW, LSW, Family Counselor, ShareHouse, Inc. 

"I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear Dick Beardsley speak at York Community High School. I was impressed with Dick's enthusiasm, anecdotes and humility. I am impressed with Dick's athletic career and was so excited to meet such an accomplished athlete. However, I was deeply saddened by his downward spiral of prescription medication, but then in awe of his transformation from such a dark place. His story was completely riveting. Dick never gave up as an athlete and as a human being. Everyone should hear Dick Beardsley's story."Charlie Kern, York Community High School

"Dick Beardsley truly exemplifies what it means to be a competitor and a champion. In addition to achieving world-wide fame with his marathon performances, Dick Beardsley is a phenomenal public speaker and motivator. His pleasant and engaging demeanor is an infectious trait that draws his fans in like a magnet when he speaks from his heart at public events. Not one person leaves his talks without a renewed sense of who they are as a human being. No other present-day athlete has endured as much adversity as Dick Beardsley in his/her pursuit of excellence. Throughout a tragic farm mishap, a hit-and-run accident and his storied battle with pain-killer drug addiction, Dick Beardsley has conquered each challenge and emerged with a quiet, pleasant and gracious presence. He literally influences all who come in contact with him." Jeff Bostow

"Dick Beardsley's moving stories of his drive to become a world-class runner to his battle with Alberto Salazar in 1983 to his epic struggle to overcome drug addiction are almost beyond belief. You think to yourself "It's a wonder he's still alive. But then you're so thankful he is because his message -- delivered in his down-to-earth, easy-going style -- is heartfelt, pure and, above all, incredibly inspiring." Drew Gruenburg, Chief Operating Officer, Society of American Florists

"I have heard Bill Clinton, Lance Armstrong, and even the Dalai Lama speak. None of them meant as much to me as hearing Dick speak." Stewart Weepers, New Balance

"As a health teacher, an athletic director and a runner Dick's story touched me personally and professionally on many different levels. It was truly a great opportunity and experience getting to meet Dick. What I liked the most was how Dick helped put a name and a face on addiction for many of our students. More often than not I know kids believe "it will never happen to me" or they are "in control" and Dick was able to show them that simply is not true. Addiction can happen to anyone at any time. When he stated "I'm a drug addict"...you could have heard a pin drop. He had the undivided attention of our student body because the students needed time to process what he had just said. It was a VERY POWERFUL MOMENT! I know Dick made quite an impact on the students as they continued to talk about him and his presentation for the rest of the day. It was truly a special and memorable day for us all. His story is astounding and he is an amazing man. His impact will be felt here for quite some time." Tom Gallagher, Director of Athletics, Ipswich High School

"I have to believe--existentialist that I am--that Dick's struggles and difficulties were a gift given to him so that he could reach out and touch others who need him. His speaking ability is astounding and it is so evident to me that God has worked through this incredible man (and his wife) to make a difference in the lives of others." Janie E. Black, M.Ed., M.A., Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, Fielding Graduate University

"I attended your talk at the Roundhouse Community Centre and was deeply touched. Being in your presence, and having you recount, albeit brief, your struggles and your successes, it affected me deeply. You brought everyone in the audience into your world for those two hours and still do, as I doubt there was a dry eye at the end of the evening. I've recommend that anyone who ever has the opportunity to hear you speak, they should snatch it up right away, regardless if they are a runner. Dick, you have a gift and it causes a chain reaction." Linda Wong, Vancouver, BC, Canada

"Dick's message received excellent evaluations and ranked as number one among the conference speakers. His easy-going, conversational style was very enjoyable. Few possess such talent." Linda Gifford, Family Activities Coordinator, Minnesota Farm Bureau Association

"Dick Beardsley was a rival of mine in the '80s but, more importantly, a friend and perhaps our sport's best known 'good guy' - everyone in the running community liked Dick. Staying the Course makes it clear why Dick is universally admired by runners: he showed his heart in his marathons but his willpower and courage when he overcame his drug addiction." Bill Rodgers, four-time winner of both the New York City and Boston marathons

"I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to come out to our PE kick off event today. Dick, you not only have a very inspirational story but you are an excellent, captivating speaker. We have gotten very positive feedback from employees and it has generated excitement for our fitness classes. You have an amazing gift and we appreciate you sharing it with us." Sheree Bailey, Director, P.E. Department , City of Austin 

"As a school administrator, I have had the pleasure of organizing, meeting and listening to many motivational speakers and Dick is at the top of the list! His presence and story are powerful, the students and staff took away his message and transposed it to their own experiences and are still motivated by him weeks after. On a follow up task, students have internalized Dick's message and have described how they deal with tough situations differently. If you ever have the opportunity to meet Dick, cherish it." Joseph Boudreau, Vice-Principal, Chemainus Secondary School

"Washington County employees were enlightened and motivated by Dick's sparkling presentation. They unanimously agreed that Dick is perhaps the finest speaker they've ever had the pleasure to hear. His energy and enthusiasm will fill a room." Chris Bohrer, Office of Administration, Washington County

"I've heard Dick Beardsley speak nearly a dozen times and each time I am left more inspired than the time before. Dick has a way of making me laugh and cry my eyes out all at once, all while inspiring me to immediately sign up for my next challenge! He has an amazing ability to reach each and every person in his audience - whether they've run 2 dozen marathons or haven't an athletic fiber in their body, each and every person walks out of his talk inspired to be great. His honesty and simple humanness makes him one of the greatest. I can't wait to hear him again." Cary Lisota, Chicago Tri Club Committee