PSRR Hall of Fame

The PSRR Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to recognize long-standing members for their running accomplishments, participation in the club, and contributions to the running community as a whole. Hall of Fame inductees are nominated by PSRR members. The criteria for induction into the Hall of Fame are: significant contributions to the club, regular attendance at club functions, a member of PSRR for at least 10 years, and running accomplishments. Hall of Fame Members are recognized at the Annual Banquet and receive a lifetime membership.

 John has been a model ambassador for the club. He is a frequent volunteer for club events, especially the Poultry & Pie Predictor. John was a member of PSRR prior to my joining, and was a factor in my decision to join. He is personable, energetic, empathetic, and always in a good mood. He has a way of brightening one's day! John is also efficacious with respect to all his interests and hobbies. He has run the Chicago Marathon several times. He also participated on a relay team for the Illinois River to River Relay. John promotes running as exercise and as an activity to bring people together. He has served as a mentor in the sport of running to many. He was at my very first 5K race in 1999 and encouraged me to continue doing races. He was a member of PSRR at the time. His running advice has always "Run safe, run smart". If fact, you could say it's his mantra. I found out about the Shamrock Shuffle 8K through John. The first time I did the Shuffle, I rode to Chicago with him and he "showed me the ropes". Besides running, John is currently serving as recording secretary for the Chicago Parrot Head Club and keeps up with city of Joliet politics. He has been very involved with Cornerstone Services and I am not sure, but he may have as one of the directors at some point in time. Through his wealth of community service, John has well-established connections with local government.

Judith Warren joined PSRR in 2014. She and her brother John have run a combined total of almost 900 races, including 3 marathons, 46 half marathons, and many shorter races. Running brings her joy – especially running with her tribe. She has served as the Pacesetter Newsletter editor and the PSRR Facebook page manager. She has volunteered at many club events and organized the award-winning PSRR Shamrock Shuffle teams and a PSRR destination race (to the Indy Mini Half). Currently she is serving on the Circuit Race Committee. She has received various honors – including a PSRR age group award, award for most volunteer credits, and award for most circuit credits 

Michael Auld joined PSRR in 2013. He is a competitive runner and qualified for Boston two times. In 2019, while out on a run, Mike was hit by a car and sustained serious injuries. Through pure determination and hard work, he has been on a long road to recovery after numerous surgeries and extended physical therapy. Mike has given back a lot to the club. In the past couple of years, he has assisted with the IrishFest Parade 5km and has been a coach/mentor for other club members. 

Carol Walters was a highly competitive runner in local Chicago area races. She clocked in at under 20 minutes in many 5km races. Carol ran the Grandma’s Marathon in 2002 in 3:42.42. She was also the race director for the 2002 National Heritage Corridor 25K, a PSRR -organized club race. 

Janet Velemir Brown was the overall winner of the Will County race circuit in 1985 and placed in the top 5 women four other times. Janet was club President from 1987-1989 and served as race director many times. 

Patrick got into running late in life, age 63.  As he often said, “I am running for my life”. Having lost his father at age 54 and a brother at age 47, running was a means to maintain heart health. Joining PSRR provided running information, motivation and friendship.

Among Patrick’s running accomplishments are; 2-time Joliet Park District RUN 3 Age Group Champion, 1st Place Inwood Run Club Fastest Male Overall Circuit Winner, Inwood Run Club Most Races Run on circuit, 8-time PSRR Age Group Circuit Winner, 3-time PSRR Most Races Run On Circuit, 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Finisher at age 73. 

Patrick served on the PSRR Board, served on the PSRR Irish Fest Parade 5K Committee and has volunteered at numerous other PSRR activities.

Jim Jensen ran three sub three-hour marathons including a 2:51 best. He was consistently in the mid-17-minute 5k range and was always one of the top runners in his age group. One of his memorable runs was at River to River where he had to double up and run 20 miles due to a couple of late scratches on his team. The team took third place in the master’s division and also included Tom Lambert and Don Lafferty. 

Don Lafferty is an extremely talented natural runner who consistently was near the very top of his age group as well as placing high in many races. Don and his wife were editors of the PSRR newsletter for a few years and his entire family could always be counted on to volunteer at club events. All three of his daughters ran at Lincoln Way High School and a couple of them are now ultrarunners. Don was also an avid indoor soccer player. 

Paul was a highly competitive runner in the Will County race circuit in the 1980s which ultimately became the PSRR circuit. In 1984, he crossed the finish line at the Deerbrook 25k with the legendary Bill Rodgers. In 1990, Paul competed at the River to River relay with a PSRR team that won the Mixed Division in a time slightly under 8 hours, an outstanding pace for 80 miles. Paul was transferred by Caterpillar in 1989 to the Peoria area. He has remained a club member for all of these years.