Chris McCarthy

In 1963-64 Chris McCarthy won five AAU walk titles at distances from 35 km. to 50 km. He represented the Chicago Track Club and the University of Chicago, from which he graduated with a degree in philosophy, later earning a masters’ degree in political science.

McCarthy started as a long-distance runner as a teenager and competed in the Boston Marathon while in high school, but switched to race walking while in graduate school. During his walking career, McCarthy taught English as a second language. In later life he turned to cycling, often taking long rides along the Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail with his club. McCarthy died from the effects of a brain tumor.

Personal Best: 50 km. Walk – 4-35:42 (1964).