Exhibit Curated and Digitized by Laura Crowe
Above image courtesy Andrew Wilds Photography
Special Thanks to Leslie McPhatter, Bret Boman, Jeff Fedorko, and the Lynchburg Road Runners Club
This exhibit appeared physically at the Lynchburg Museum from August — November 2024.
Introduction
The Virginia 10 Miler foot race is one of the few annual traditions that defines Lynchburg. Every September it brings together Hill City runners, international athletes, and local spectators on a challenging 10-mile course.
The idea for the Virginia 10 Miler was born during an early meeting of the Lynchburg Road Runners Club, held in the basement of Rudy and Marilyn Straub in 1974. Alongside Rudy Straub, the meeting included Earl Foster, Barry Shifflet, Joe Romano, Vic Galan, and Rich Lange. Their vision was to hold a long-distance road race that would encourage a passion for running in their community, and draw top-tier athletes to Lynchburg.
Since 1974, over 61,000 runners have completed the Virginia 10 Miler, ranging in age from 11 to 85. For 50 years the race has proven that Lynchburg truly is “Where Southern Hospitality Meets the Road.”
Above: The Virginia 10 Miler takes center stage at the Lynchburg Museum to celebrate the race’s 50 year history, Lynchburg Museum System
Explore the exhibit!
Display Case 1, Lynchburg Museum System
Object descriptions (Left to Right):
Brooks Villanova Running Shoes, c. 1975
Brooks is a Seattle-based footwear and athletics company that was founded in 1914 in Philadelphia. They first began producing running shoes in the 1970s, and are a long-time favorite brand of many runners. Brooks has been a sponsor of the Virginia 10 Miler since 1979. Loan courtesy of Jeff Fedorko
Brooks Hyperion Max 2 Running Shoes, 2024
This latest model of running shoe is designed for fast-paced runs, with light but supportive cushioning and protective design. Loan courtesy of Jeff Fedorko
Virginia 10 Miler Cap, c. 1979
This #1 hat was worn by British long distance runner Brendan Foster who was team captain of Britain’s Gateshead Harriers. Loan courtesy of David Barney
1984 Virginia 10 Miler Race Bib
Signed by 10 Miler champion Anne Audain of New Zealand.
Loan courtesy of Bret Boman
1978 Virginia 10 Miler Race Bib
This bib belonged to Finnish Olympian Lasse Virén, who ran in the 1978 and 1979 Virginia 10 Milers. Loan courtesy of David Barney
Display Case 2, Lynchburg Museum System
Object Descriptions (Left to Right):
The Virginia 10 Miler 1981 Race Results Book
The Virginia 10 Miler 1982 Race Program
The Virginia 10 Miler 1974 Race Program
Loan courtesy of Bret Boman
Virginia 10 Miler 25th Anniversary Jefferson Cup
Presented to Frank McPhatter of Madison Heights, Virginia in 1998. Made by Camelot Pewter in Virginia.
Loan courtesy of Lesley McPhatter
Virginia 10 Miler Medals
Loan courtesy Lesley McPhatter
Virginia 10 Miler Finisher Medal, 2008
Virginia 10 Miler 45th Anniversary Finisher Medal, 2018
Loan courtesy of Jeff Fedorko
Virginia 4+ Miler Finisher Medal, 2022
Virginia 4+ Mile Walk Finisher Medal, 2021
Virginia 10 Miler Finisher Medal, 2023
Loan courtesy of Lesley McPhatter
Bland Bells, 2003
Loan courtesy of Lesley McPhatter
Timeline of the Virginia 10 Miler, 1974-2024
Stage Artifacts
Trophies, Awards, and Memorabilia Displayed on Stage in Main Gallery of the Lynchburg Museum, Lynchburg Museum System
10 Miler Trophies and Awards, Lynchburg Museum System
Object descriptions (Left to Right):
Virginia 10 Miler First Place Overall Female Trophy, 2008
The 2008 women’s overall winner was Joan Benoit Samuelson, American marathon runner and gold medalist in the first ever women’s Olympic Marathon in 1984. Benoit Samuelson also held the record for fastest time by an American woman in both the Chicago and Boston marathons for 32 and 28 years, respectively.
Loan courtesy of Jeff Fedorko
Virginia 10 Miler Babcock & Wilcox Corporate Team Cup, 1983
Presented to: Bret Boman, Charles Rombough, Jim Freim, Thomas Stevens, Bernie Davis, Robert Starkey, and Frank McPhatter.
Loan courtesy of Bret Boman
Road Runners Club of America, “Road Race of the Year” Award, 2014
In 2006, the RRCA launched the Road Race of the Year to “acknowledge events that are organized as nonprofit races that provide safe, well-designed, and enjoyable events that promote grassroots running and the mission of the RRCA.” The Virginia 10 Miler was the ninth national event to be recognized as Outstanding Road Race of the Year.
Loan courtesy of Jeff Fedorko
Bill Draper Commemorative Shirt, Lynchburg Museum System
41st Anniversary Commemorative Bill Draper Shirt, 2014 (Left)
Bill Draper completed the first 41 consecutive Virginia 10 Milers, finishing his final race in 2014 at the age of 86. He was the last of the “Fabulous Five” or “Iron Horses,” who ran each of the first 30 races. This tenacious group was made up of Draper, Frank McPhatter, Gordon Davies, Bill Fastabend, and Jim Montgomery.
Loan courtesy of Jeff Fedorko
Winged Foot Trophy, Lynchburg Museum System
Winged Foot Team Trophy Award, 1979
Michael Creed
This wooden trophy was crafted by local artist, Michael Creed, for the winning team of the 1979 Virginia 10 Miler. The British team, the Gateshead Harriers, beat out both the Frank Shorter Racing Team and the Bill Rodgers-led Greater Boston Track Club to capture the top team honors. Brendan Foster, team captain, was presented with the trophy. Due to the size of the sculpture, the international athletes left it with their host family here in Lynchburg, Dr. and Mrs. William H. Barney.
Loan courtesy of David Barney
10 Miler Race Shirts, 1974-2023
10 Miler Shirts Displayed on Wall, Lynchburg Museum System
Virginia 10 Miler Shirts, 1974-2023
Loan courtesy of Lesley McPhatter
A Family Legacy
Frank McPhatter, one of the “Fabulous Five,” ran the first 30 consecutive Virginia 10 Milers, and was also an active member of the Lynchburg Road Runners Club. Most of the 10 Miler shirts in this collection were his own.
Frank’s love for running was something he passed down and shared with his family. His four children and all 12 of his grandchildren have participated in 10 Miler events, and three of his great-grandchildren have started to run the Amazing Mile.
Frank passed away in 2013, but his legacy continues. At the 40th Virginia 10 Miler “Frank’s Legacy’ shirts were worn by members of Frank McPhatter’s family as well as his friends. The shirt had his photo on the front and his slogan “Finish What You Start” on the back.
Chesley "Frank" Franklin McPhatter Jr., (1941-2013)
Familiar Faces of the Virginia 10 Miler
Pictured above: Anne Audain, Bill Rodgers, Julius Kogo, Rod Dixon, Sarah Nabei, Rudy Straub, George Stewart, Marilyn Reynolds Straub, Dr. William Barney, and Jeff Fedorko
The Virginia 10 Miler at a Glance
2024 10 Miler Winners:
Men’s Winner: Josephat Too (48:47)
Women’s Winner: Sarah Naibei (54:58)
Audio-Visual Artifacts from the Virginia 10 Miler
Listen as Anne Audain wins the 1984 Virginia 10 Miler, setting a new women’s record of 53:47; her record was not broken until 2019 by Vicoty Chepngeno.
“First Colony Life Presents: The 1980 Virginia 10 Miler”
2024 Virginia 10 Miler
2024 Virginia 10 Miler Memorabilia (Pictured left):
10 Miler Race T-Shirt; Race Program Signed by Cole Hocker; 10 Miler Race Bib, Number 50; 10 Miler Finisher Medal; Road Runners Club of America, 50th Anniversary Commemorative Plaque; Age Group Award, Male 80 and Over; 10 Miler Commemorative Pint Glass; “Finish What You Started” and “Set Goals” Wristbands
Loans courtesy of Lesley McPhatter
Virginia 10 Miler Office of Economic Development & Tourism Sponsor Award; “11th Miler Lager” Can, Three Roads Brewing
Lynchburg Museum System
The 50th Virginia 10 Miler took place on September 28, 2024 with a record-breaking number of participants.
The Virginia 10 Miler: Fifty Years and Still Running Strong by Bret Boman and Leslie McPhatter was released in September, 2024. Copies are available for purchase in the Lynchburg Museum giftshop and online on the Virginia 10 Miler website here
Interesting in participating in the Virginia 10 Miler?
Register here today!
Share Your Story
Do you have any artifacts or information related to the Virginia 10 Miler? We would love to hear from you! The Lynchburg Museum System is actively seeking material to illustrate the rich history of our city.
Call (434) 455-6226 or email museum@lynchburgva.gov