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Patrick Ralph Porter (May 31, 1959 – July 26, 2012) was an American distance runner.[2] Born in Wadena, Minnesota, he graduated from Adams State in 1982 with a degree in marketing, after which he became one of the most dominant U.S. distance runners of the 1980s. Porter was a two time U.S. Olympian, running the 10000 meters at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games. In 1983 he set the World Record for a road 10K at 27:31.8. He won the silver medal at the 1985 IAAF World Cup in Canberra, Australia, getting nipped at the tape by Ethiopia's Wodajo Bulti by six hundredths of a second.

Key Information

Running career

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Early career

[edit]

Porter had a personal record of 4:29 in the mile while running for Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado. He was not heavily recruited to run in college. He is a 1982 alumnus Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, and flourished under the training of coach Joe Vigil.[3] At Adams State, Porter won 6 RMAC championships, and 3 national NAIA championships.

Post collegiate

[edit]

Porter was best known for his cross country running accomplishments. He won a record eight consecutive USA Cross Country Championships from 1982 to 1989.[4] Porter also represented the United States at the World Cross Country Championships each of these years. His best finish at the World Championships was 4th in 1984, followed by 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th-place finishes throughout his career.

1984
Porter finished 15th in 28:34.59 at the Athletics at the 1984 Summer Olympics - 10000 metres.[5]

1988
Porter did not advance to the Athletics at the 1988 Summer Olympics - 10000 metres final after finishing 11th in 28:45.04[6] in the 1st round, ranking him 23rd in the Olympics that year, but only 20 qualified to the final. His time would have ranked 17th as several runners ran slower in the final, still almost 1:25 (almost a lap and a half) behind the winner.

In 1998 Porter played Finnish distance runner Lasse Virén in Without Limits, a biographical film about American distance legend Steve Prefontaine.[7] He was married to fellow U.S. 1988 Olympic Team member high jumper Trish King.[8]

Honor

[edit]

Porter was inducted in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 1987.[9] Porter was inducted in the RMAC Hall of Fame in July 2012.[10] Only days before his death, on July 20, Porter had been inducted into the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs and was also inducted into the Adams State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000 in Alamosa, Colorado.

Death

[edit]
Porter's plane departed runway 21 and crashed shortly after exiting the mesa

On July 26, 2012, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Porter was killed in an airplane crash along with his 15-year-old son Connor and his son's friend, 14-year-old Connor Mantsch. Porter, an avid pilot, on takeoff hit a boundary fence at the southbound end of the Sedona Airport runway in Sedona, Arizona, then went down a steep mesa and burst into flames upon impact at the bottom of the hill. He was 53 years old.[11]

Competition record

[edit]

Cross country

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Year Competition Venue Position Event Notes
Representing the  United States
1982 World Cross Country Championships Rome, Italy 64th 12 km 35:23
1983 World Cross Country Championships Gateshead, England 9th 12 km 37:12
1984 World Cross Country Championships New York City, United States 4th 11.8 km 33:34
1985 World Cross Country Championships Lisbon, Portugal 12th 12 km 34:02
1986 World Cross Country Championships Neuchatel, Switzerland 6th 12 km 35:48
1987 World Cross Country Championships Warsaw, Poland 7th 12 km 37:04
1988 World Cross Country Championships Auckland, New Zealand 28th 12 km 36:26
1989 World Cross Country Championships Stavanger, Norway 31st 12 km 41:31
1991 World Cross Country Championships Antwerp, Belgium 68th 12 km 35:29

Track and field

[edit]
Year Competition Venue Position Event Notes
Representing the  United States
1982 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships Knoxville, Tennessee 6th 10,000 m 28:48.8
1983 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships Indianapolis, Indiana 5th 10,000 m 28:35.92
1984 US Olympic Trials Los Angeles, California 3rd 10,000 m 28:03.86
Olympic Games Los Angeles, United States 15th 10,000 m 28:34.59
1985 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships Indianapolis, Indiana 3rd 10,000 m 28:12.9
World Cup Canberra, Australia 2nd 10,000 m 29:23.02
1987 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships San Jose, California 4th 10,000 m 28:29.7
1988 US Olympic Trials Indianapolis, Indiana 3rd 10,000 m 29:09.92
Olympic Games Seoul, South Korea heats 10,000 m 28:45.04
1989 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships Houston, Texas 1st 10,000 m 28:45.78
1990 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships Norwalk, California 7th 10,000 m 28:38.99
1991 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships New York, New York 5th 10,000 m 28:26.49
1992 US Olympic Trials New Orleans, Louisiana 6th 10,000 m 28:54.6
1994 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships Knoxville, Tennessee 6th 10,000 m 29:24.05

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pat Porter

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Patrick Ralph Porter (May 31, 1959 – July 26, 2012) was an American long-distance runner renowned for his dominance in cross country and the 10,000 meters during the 1980s. A two-time Olympian representing the United States in the 10,000 meters at the 1984 Los Angeles Games (where he placed 15th) and the 1988 Seoul Games (where he finished 11th in the qualifying heat), Porter was celebrated for his aggressive front-running style that challenged elite international competitors. He achieved a record eight consecutive U.S. national cross country championships from 1982 to 1989, a streak that solidified his legacy as one of the greatest American cross country runners. Porter's collegiate career at in , laid the foundation for his professional success, where he won individual NAIA cross country titles in 1980 and 1981, led his team to three consecutive national team championships (1979–1981), and secured multiple (RMAC) titles in events including the 5,000 meters and 3,000-meter steeplechase. Transitioning to the professional ranks with Athletics West, he set a in the road 10,000 meters with a time of 27:31.8 in 1983 and earned a in the 10,000 meters at the 1985 IAAF World Cup in , , finishing just 0.06 seconds behind the winner. Internationally, he represented the U.S. at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships annually from 1982 to 1989, achieving a best individual finish of fourth place in 1984 while contributing to multiple team medals. Porter's life ended tragically on July 26, 2012, when he was killed at age 53 in a small plane crash near , while piloting a B60; his 15-year-old son Connor and Connor's 14-year-old friend also perished in the accident. Posthumously honored for his contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000 and the RMAC Hall of Fame in 2012, and he appeared as Finnish runner in the 1998 biographical film about . Married to 1988 Olympic high jumper Trish , Porter's personal best in the 10,000 meters was 27:46.80, set in 1988.

Early Life

Birth and Upbringing

Patrick Ralph Porter was born on May 31, 1959, in . His family moved to , where he grew up in a pine-forested suburban community west of at over 7,000 feet elevation. The family emphasized outdoor activities, immersing the young Porter in a landscape rich with opportunities for nature and physical activity amid the . His father's role as a district manager for Mountain Bell provided a stable middle-class foundation, allowing the family to adapt to this rural-to-suburban transition, where Porter experienced typical childhood pursuits like exploring wooded trails and engaging in local play, unburdened by formal athletic pressures. During middle school in Evergreen, Porter was introduced to running, often jogging the hilly roads, which laid a subtle groundwork that naturally progressed into organized high school running.

High School Career

Pat Porter attended Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado, graduating in 1977. The high-altitude environment of around 7,200 feet facilitated his early adaptation to endurance training. Porter began competitive running during his sophomore year at , initially exploring sports like football before focusing on events due to his slight build. He developed as a solid but unremarkable high school competitor, with steady improvement across cross-country and track seasons in the leagues. In track, Porter's progression culminated in his senior year with personal records of 4:29 in the mile and 9:40 in the two-mile, reflecting his growing affinity for longer s at altitude.

Collegiate Career

Time at Adams State

Pat Porter transferred to Adams State College, a (NAIA) institution in , in 1979 after spending a year at Metropolitan State College following his 1977 high school graduation; his high school running success in served as the foundation for his recruitment to collegiate programs. Located at an elevation of approximately 7,600 feet in the , the college provided an ideal environment for altitude acclimatization, which Porter credited for enhancing his endurance capacity. He balanced his rigorous athletic commitments with academics, graduating in 1982 with a in while immersing himself in coursework that complemented his training. Under the guidance of legendary coach Joe Vigil, who had built Adams State's cross-country and track programs into national powerhouses since 1965, Porter thrived in a structured system emphasizing scientific principles of distance running. Vigil, who taught courses in , , and , instilled a philosophy of long-term preparation that integrated physical durability with mental resilience, distributing a detailed "Philosophical Dimensions" document to athletes outlining the need for perseverance, intelligent effort, and holistic development over quick fixes. This approach leveraged the high-altitude setting to simulate race conditions, promoting adaptations like increased production for superior oxygen efficiency. Porter's daily training regimen, typical of Vigil's methods, involved high-mileage runs—often exceeding 120 miles per week—on the rugged trails and roads of the , incorporating a mix of steady-state work, efforts, and recovery sessions to build aerobic base without . Team dynamics fostered a supportive, purpose-driven culture where runners developed concentration and mutual encouragement, contributing to the program's cohesion and success in NAIA competitions; Vigil's emphasis on enjoyment and personal growth ensured athletes viewed running as an extension of their educational experience rather than a sole focus. This balance allowed Porter to maintain academic progress while honing his skills in an environment that prioritized well-rounded development.

College Achievements

During his time at Adams State College, Pat Porter established himself as a dominant force in NAIA distance running, securing six individual (RMAC) championships across cross country and track events. These included individual cross-country titles in 1980 and 1981, as well as track victories in the three-mile run in 1980, the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 1980 and 1981, and the 5,000 meters in 1981. Porter's national success was equally impressive, highlighted by back-to-back NAIA individual cross-country championships in 1980 and 1981. Adams State won NAIA team titles in 1979, 1980, and 1981; in 1979, as a transfer student, Porter was an All-American and the team's second-place scorer behind individual winner Sam Montoya. On the track, he claimed the 1982 NAIA indoor two-mile national title, further solidifying his status as a top collegiate performer. Key performances in national cross-country meets underscored his prowess, such as his 1980 victory at the NAIA Championships in , where he outpaced the field to secure the individual crown. In track events, Porter achieved early personal bests in the 10,000 meters during his collegiate years, setting the stage for his future elite-level times while competing at high altitude. Under the guidance of coach Joe Vigil, these accomplishments contributed to Adams State's dynasty in NAIA distance running.

Professional Running Career

Cross-Country Success

Pat Porter established himself as a dominant force in professional cross-country running after transitioning from his collegiate career at Adams State College, where he had honed his skills at high altitude. He secured a record eight consecutive USA Cross Country Championships titles from 1982 to 1989, a streak that underscored his unparalleled consistency and endurance in the discipline. These victories included standout performances such as his 28:07 win in in 1984 and 30:36 in in 1986, often covering distances around 10-12 kilometers on varied terrain. Porter's professional success was bolstered by key sponsorships that allowed him to train full-time. In 1982, he joined Athletics West, a Nike-sponsored team that provided a $1,000 monthly , , and travel support, enabling focused preparation without financial strain. Following Athletics West's dissolution in 1986, Porter continued under Nike's direct sponsorship, which sustained his competitive edge through the late 1980s. Representing these teams, he also led Athletics West to multiple national team titles, including in 1982, 1983, and 1985. On the international stage, Porter captained the U.S. team to notable success at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, earning silver medals in 1983 and 1984, and bronze medals in 1985 and 1986. His individual contributions were pivotal, with finishes of 9th in 1983 (37:12 over 12.55 km), 4th in 1984 (33:34 over 12 km), 12th in 1985 (34:02 over 12 km), and 6th in 1986 (35:48.4 over 12 km). These results marked five consecutive top-12 individual placements from 1983 to 1987, highlighting his leadership in propelling the American squad to rare podium finishes against dominant East African and European teams.

Track and Road Racing

Pat Porter established himself as a formidable competitor on the track during his professional career, leveraging the endurance foundation from his cross-country background to excel in middle- and long-distance events. His personal best in the 3000 meters was 7:51.0, achieved in 1988, while he ran 13:33.91 for 5000 meters that same year. In the 10,000 meters, Porter's lifetime best of 27:46.80 came in 1988 at the Mt. San Antonio Relays in Walnut, California. These performances underscored his ability to maintain high speeds over extended distances on the oval. Porter frequently contended in major U.S. track meets, including the national championships organized by The Athletics Congress (TAC). He placed sixth in the 10,000 meters at the 1982 TAC Championships, fifth in 1983, and third in 1985, demonstrating consistent podium contention among top American distance runners. At the 1984 Olympic Trials, he finished third in the 10,000 meters, securing his spot on the U.S. Olympic team. These results highlighted his competitive edge in domestic elite fields, though he often prioritized cross-country and seasons. On the roads, Porter's prowess peaked in 1983 when he set the for the 10K distance with a time of 27:31.8 at the World 10K Challenge in , , surpassing the previous mark and establishing a benchmark for American road racing. This achievement came during a period of sponsorship with Nike's Athletics West team, which supported his versatile racing schedule. Later transitions to in the mid-1980s and in the early allowed Porter to focus more on road events, aligning with his strengths in measured, flat courses where he could apply his tactical front-running style.

International Competitions

Olympic Participation

Pat Porter qualified for the 1984 Olympic team in the 10,000 meters by placing third at the U.S. Olympic Trials in on June 19, 1984, with a time of 28:03.86, behind Paul Cummings and Craig Virgin. His selection was bolstered by strong performances that year, which ranked him among the top American distance runners. At the Los Angeles Olympics, Porter advanced to the final after competing in the heats and became the sole American to reach that stage, finishing 15th overall with a time of 28:34.59 on August 6, 1984. Porter's preparation for the 1984 Games involved rigorous high-altitude training in , where he typically maintained a base mileage of 100-120 miles per week, building to 80-90 miles during race periods with intense sessions to simulate competition demands. This approach, honed during his time at Adams State College and continued professionally, emphasized endurance and tactical racing skills, though he later reflected on the pressure of representing the U.S. as a relatively unknown cross-country specialist transitioning to track. The selection process highlighted his versatility, as he had dominated the U.S. cross-country Olympic trial earlier that year, winning by a significant margin, which underscored his selection as a strategic choice for the Olympic distance event. For the 1988 Olympics, Porter repeated his qualification by securing third place at the U.S. Olympic Trials in on July 15, 1988, clocking 29:46.68 behind Bruce Bickford and Steve Plasencia. His training cycle mirrored the high-volume regimen of 1984 but faced disruptions from persistent fatigue, which he attributed to the cumulative toll of eight consecutive national cross-country titles and international travel. In , Porter competed in the second heat of the 10,000 meters on September 23, 1988, finishing 11th in 28:45.04 and missing the final cutoff, later discovering through a post-race that he was anemic, which had sapped his energy during the Olympic cycle. Reflecting on the experience, Porter noted the Games' intense atmosphere and his disappointment in not advancing, viewing it as a humbling challenge that tested his resilience amid health setbacks.

World Championships and Other Events

Pat Porter excelled in the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, where he competed nine times between 1983 and 1993, securing four top-10 individual finishes and frequently leading the team to medals. His standout performance came in at , where he placed 4th in 33:34 over 12 km, helping the secure team silver. In 1986 at Colombier, Switzerland, he finished 6th in 35:48.4, contributing to another bronze; the following year in , , he earned 7th place in 37:04 as part of a team that placed 5th. Porter's leadership was instrumental in three team medals: silver in , and bronze in 1985 and 1986. On the track, Porter's most notable non-Olympic international achievement was at the 1985 IAAF World Cup in Canberra, Australia, where he claimed silver in the 10,000 m with a time of 29:23.03, narrowly behind Ethiopia's Wodajo Bulti. He also medaled at the 1987 World University Games in Zagreb, Croatia, taking bronze in the 10,000 m in 29:20.95. In the 1990 Goodwill Games held in Seattle, Washington, Porter finished 7th in the 10,000 m, recording 27:56.20. These results underscored Porter's reliability in high-stakes global competitions, elevating the profile of American distance running during the 1980s and inspiring subsequent generations of US athletes.

Honors and Recognition

Awards and Records

Pat Porter set the for the road 10 km in 1983, clocking a time of 27:31.8 in , a mark that underscored his dominance in during the early 1980s. Porter amassed twelve U.S. national championships across cross-country and track events, establishing him as one of the most decorated distance runners in American history. His crowning achievement came in cross-country, where he secured a record eight consecutive senior men's titles from 1982 to 1989, a streak that highlighted his unparalleled consistency and endurance on varied terrains. These victories included standout performances such as his 1984 win at the TAC Championships, where he outpaced Olympic marathoner Ed Eyestone to lead the U.S. team. In track, Porter claimed multiple national titles in the 10,000 meters, contributing to his overall tally and solidifying his reputation as a versatile competitor capable of excelling in both long-distance formats. His championship successes often featured decisive margins, as seen in his 1982 cross-country debut win by 17 seconds over the field, setting the tone for his dominant run.

Hall of Fame Inductions

Pat Porter's exceptional achievements in cross-country and distance running earned him multiple posthumous and late-career inductions into prestigious halls of fame. In 1987, Porter was inducted into the (NAIA) Hall of Fame, recognizing his dominance as a two-time NAIA national cross-country champion during his time at Adams State College. Porter received induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000, honoring his leadership in guiding to multiple national titles in cross-country and track events. On July 20, 2012, just days before his death, Porter was enshrined in the (RMAC) Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Colorado Springs, celebrating his contributions to the conference through his collegiate and professional running legacy. Posthumously, in 2013, Porter was inducted into the Colorado Running Hall of Fame, acknowledging his status as one of the state's most accomplished distance runners, including his Olympic appearances and national records.

Later Life

Post-Retirement Activities

After retiring from competitive running in the early 1990s, Pat Porter applied his 1982 marketing degree from Adams State College to a successful career in . He excelled as a top performer for Centex Homes, focusing on new home development, where he received numerous awards, including a company-provided car for his exceptional results. In 1998, Porter took on an acting role, portraying Finnish distance runner in the biographical film , directed by and starring as . The movie depicted key moments in American running history, including the Olympics, and Porter's participation highlighted his ongoing ties to the sport. Porter remained involved in the running community post-retirement through his associations with brands like , with which he had longstanding endorsement ties from his competitive days. His running legacy influenced these opportunities, allowing him to stay connected to athletics in professional capacities.

Family and Personal Interests

Pat Porter married Trish King, a fellow member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic team and high jumper, in 1991, after the couple met during pre-Olympic training. The couple initially resided in , for four years before relocating to , in 1994, where they established a stable family home. Porter and King had two children: son Connor (born 1997) and daughter Shannon (born 2001). As a father, Porter cherished time with his family, balancing his post-retirement career in sales with providing stability for his children in Albuquerque. Beyond family, Porter developed a strong interest in aviation, owning a twin-engine Beechcraft 60 aircraft registered in his name. He enjoyed flying private planes as a personal hobby, which reflected his adventurous spirit outside of running, and was a certified pilot. Porter also remained engaged with the running community in Albuquerque, contributing to local events and maintaining a lasting impact on the sport through his involvement and mentorship. He was a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), enjoyed riding motorcycles and bicycles, collecting art, watching movies, and attended Calvary Albuquerque church.

Death

Plane Crash Incident

On July 26, 2012, at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time, Pat Porter, a 53-year-old private pilot, was operating a Beechcraft B60 Duke twin-engine aircraft (registration N880LY) from Sedona Airport (KSEZ) in Sedona, Arizona, en route to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The aircraft carried Porter, his 15-year-old son Connor Porter, and Connor's 14-year-old friend, Connor Mantsch, as passengers. The airplane failed to rotate during the takeoff roll on Runway 3, overran the 5,132-foot runway, departed the end into uneven, sloped terrain, and collided with a boundary fence before crashing into a gully. The aircraft then burst into flames, resulting in the fatal injuries of all three occupants; there were no survivors. The (NTSB) investigation noted high conditions (approximately 7,100 feet) due to the airport's 4,830-foot , an ambient temperature of 26°C (79°F), and calm winds. Weather at the time was , with no adverse atmospheric phenomena reported. The probable cause was determined as the airplane's failure to rotate during takeoff and the pilot's failure to reject the takeoff, which resulted in a runway overrun for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Sloped/uneven terrain was identified as a contributing factor. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were identified in the . Porter had accumulated 663 total flight hours, including 118 multiengine hours and 62 hours in the Beech B60 model.

Aftermath and Tributes

Following Pat Porter's death, a joint celebration of life for him and his son Connor was held on August 19, 2012, at Calvary Albuquerque in Albuquerque, New Mexico, attended by hundreds from the running community, including Olympic teammates, family, and friends. The event featured a photo montage set to Christian music, color-coordinated displays with flowers and urns (purple for Pat and red for Connor), performances including songs by family friends and a rap tribute to Connor, and speeches by Porter's wife Trish, daughter Shannon, and pastor Skip Heitzig, emphasizing their faith, family bonds, and joyful spirits. A U.S. Olympic team flag was presented by Connor's cousins as a symbol of Porter's athletic legacy, followed by a reception at Albuquerque Academy. Media coverage highlighted Porter's accomplishments as a two-time Olympian and eight-time U.S. cross-country champion, portraying him as a humble icon of American distance running whose untimely death shocked the world. Obituaries in outlets like and detailed his life, from his dominance to his family devotion, while running publications such as RunBlogRun and Runner mourned the loss of a "" and "forgotten hero" of the sport. In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial contributions to , where Connor was a student, or to Operation Heal Our Patriots through , reflecting Porter's values of education and support for veterans. No races were renamed in his honor, but his enduring influence persists through tributes in running circles and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference's recognition of his legacy. Family members expressed profound grief tempered by , with Trish and Shannon Porter stating during the service that they would "miss him terribly" but held hope of reunion in heaven, urging others to find solace in amid the tragedy. The broader community, including fellow runners and Adams State , shared condolences online and in person, underscoring the widespread mourning for Porter's warmth, humor, and contributions to cross-country running.

Competition Record

Cross Country

Pat Porter's cross-country career began prominently at the collegiate level, where he established himself as a dominant force in NAIA competition before transitioning to professional ranks and international success. His key results are summarized chronologically below, focusing on major championships.
YearEventLocationDistancePlacementTimeNotes
1980NAIA ChampionshipsSalina, KS, USA5 mi1st24:28.5Individual title; Adams State team champions.
1981NAIA ChampionshipsKenosha, WI, USA~5 mi1st24:55.0Individual title; Adams State team champions (third consecutive).
1982USA Cross Country ChampionshipsEast Brunswick, NJ, USA10 km1st28:50First of eight consecutive national titles.
1983IAAF World Cross Country ChampionshipsGateshead, ENG12 km9th37:12USA team 4th.
1983USA Cross Country ChampionshipsState College, PA, USA10 km1st29:19
1984IAAF World Cross Country ChampionshipsEast Rutherford, NJ, USA12 km4th33:34USA team silver medal.
1984USA Cross Country ChampionshipsBoston, MA, USA10 km1st28:06
1985IAAF World Cross Country ChampionshipsLisbon, POR12 km12th34:02USA team bronze medal.
1985USA Cross Country ChampionshipsRaleigh, NC, USA10 km1st30:34
1986IAAF World Cross Country ChampionshipsColombier, SUI12 km6th35:48.4USA team bronze medal; led U.S. team.
1986USA Cross Country ChampionshipsSan Francisco, CA, USA10.35 km1st30:36
1987IAAF World Cross Country ChampionshipsWarsaw, POL12 km7th37:04USA team 5th.
1987USA Cross Country ChampionshipsNew York, NY, USA10.15 km1st29:58
1988IAAF World Cross Country ChampionshipsAuckland, NZL12 km28th36:26USA team 6th.
1988USA Cross Country ChampionshipsRaleigh, NC, USA10.3 km1st31:07
1989IAAF World Cross Country ChampionshipsStavanger, NOR12 km31st41:31USA team 7th.
1989USA Cross Country ChampionshipsSan Francisco, CA, USA10 km1st32:08Eighth consecutive national title.
Porter's streak of eight straight USA Cross Country titles from 1982 to 1989 remains a record, during which he also qualified for multiple World Championships, contributing to three U.S. team medals.

Pat Porter competed in middle- and long-distance track events primarily at the 3,000m, 5,000m, and 10,000m distances during his professional career in the 1980s and early 1990s, achieving notable success at national and international levels. His track performances often served as a complement to his dominant cross-country season, providing sharp speed work on ovals. Porter's outdoor track results highlighted his endurance and tactical racing ability, with several podium finishes in U.S. national championships and appearances in Olympic finals. Indoor competitions were less frequent but included early collegiate successes and select elite meets.

U.S. National Championships (Outdoor) - 10,000m

YearPlaceTimeLocation
19826th28:48.8Indianapolis, IN
19835th28:35.92Sacramento, CA
19853rd28:12.90Indianapolis, IN
19874th28:29.70, CA
19891st28:45.78, TX
19907th28:38.99Norwalk, CA
19915th28:26.49, NY
19926th28:54.68New Orleans, LA
19946th29:24.05Knoxville, TN
Porter's other track results included a second-place finish in the 5,000m at the 1988 Athletic Conference Championships (13:33.91, Dedham, MA) and third in the 3,000m at the 1988 U.S. National Team Pre-Olympic Meet (7:53.00, Sacramento, CA). Indoor highlights featured an eighth-place in the 5,000m at the 1983 (13:50.27, New York, NY) and a victory in the two-mile at the 1982 NAIA Indoor Championships.

- 10,000m (Outdoor)

YearPlaceTimeLocation
198415th28:34.59, CA
198823rd28:45.04, KOR

IAAF World Cup - 10,000m (Outdoor)

YearPlaceTimeLocation
19852nd29:23.02, AUS
In , Porter excelled at the 10K distance, setting a of 27:31.8 in 1983. Other key 10K results included fifth place at the 1984 Pro Comfort Finals (28:29, , HI) and a win at the 1996 Bank IV River Run (29:16, Wichita, KS). He also competed successfully at longer road distances, such as sixth in the 15K at the 1995 Gate River Run (43:49, Jacksonville, FL) and second in the at the 1992 Florida Citrus Sports (1:03:25, Orlando, FL).

References

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  8. https://trackandfieldnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/pat-porter.pdf
  9. https://trackandfieldnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Pat_Porter.pdf
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  27. https://asugrizzlies.com/honors/hall-of-fame/pat-porter/90/kiosk
  28. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0692242/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119934/fullcredits/
  30. https://patch.com/california/sancarlos/m-a-grad-and-olympian-trish-porter-loses-husband-son-287abb8b6c
  31. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2-time-olympian-runner-killed-in-ariz-plane-crash/
  32. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sfgate/name/patrick-porter-obituary?id=19309849
  33. https://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=248472
  34. https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/84460/pdf
  35. https://www.cnn.com/2012/07/26/us/arizona-plane-crash
  36. https://www.runblogrun.com/2012/07/pat-porter-8-time-xc-champ-has-died-by-alfons-juck-note-by-larry-eder.html
  37. https://asugrizzlies.com/honors/hall-of-fame/1979-1980-1981-mens-cross-country/117
  38. https://rmacsports.org/hof.aspx?hof=57
  39. https://trackandfieldnews.com/history-of-us-nationals-results-10000-meters-men/
  40. https://olympedia.org/athletes/78910
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