PUBLISHED 09/25/2006
In 2004, the eight athletes on the following pages redefined excellence, commitment, and bravery. Two Americans defied expectations, bringing home the first Olympic Marathon medals for the United States in 20 years. A philanthropist saw his race-for-charity organization pass the $500 million mark. And with the help of his fellow marines, a soldier in Iraq staged his own ultramarathon-an expression of freedom that reminds us how lucky we are to run whenever or wherever we please. The Runner's World Heroes of 2004 ran on their own terms, without letting anything-not war, infirmity, or naysayers-get in their way. They went to the starting line for individual reasons, but their efforts resonate beyond the finish line. And for that, we salute them.
