The Loss Of One Of Our Own - Ryan Shay

November 3, 2007

New York City 2008 Men's Olympic Marathon Trials- November 3, 2008

It is hard to expect the unexpected. With a Men's Olympic Marathon Trials race full of highs and lows, it is hard to see the bright side of things in this situation. Flotrack recently received word that Ryan Shay, 28, runner from Flagstaff Arizona and Notre Dame, passed away unexpectedly during the race. While we do not have details, our thoughts will be with him and his family.

Shay was an ardent supporter of the sport, and his efforts went well beyond his own running. "I love this sport. Every chance I have to speak at a high school about the sport, I do it. I want to get kids to think that this sport is worthy of their participation."

Picture of Ryan Shay, When he competed at the 2007 World XC Champs, (c) Imageofsport.com
He was truly one of us. We will miss him.

We will post further details as they become available to us.

Press Release from USATF
NEW YORK - Ryan Shay, a four-time national champion on the roads, died Saturday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon. Shortly past the 5-mile mark of the race, Shay collapsed and was immediately given CPR. An ambulance transported him to Lenox Hill Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:46 a.m.

"We all are devastated over Ryan's death. He was a tremendous champion who was here today to pursue his dreams. The Olympic Trials is traditionally a day of celebration, but we are heartbroken. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ryan's wife, Alicia, and all of his family. His death is a tremendous loss for the sport and the long-distance running community."

A 2002 graduate of Notre Dame and a native of Michigan, Shay was the 2003 USA marathon champion, the 2003 and 2004 USA half-marathon champion and the 2004 USA 20 km champion. He won the 2001 NCAA 10,000m title, winning the first national individual title for Notre Dame, and was a nine-time All-American. After college, he trained with Team USA California, a group that includes Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi and Deena Kastor and now includes 2008 Olympic Trials champion Ryan Hall. In 2003 he won the USARC racing series after winning national road running titles in the marathon and half marathon, and taking third at 5 km and 20 km.

Shay's wife, Alicia (Craig) Shay, was an NCAA champion and record-holder while attending Stanford University and is a professional distance runner.

Click Here For a Bio of Ryan Shay

Post a Comment

#16	Arthur Pratt, Bend, Oregon November 4, 2007 at 5:41pm May God be with dear Alicia as she walks through this Valley of Death. One day she and we will understand, though we see through a glass very dimly now. reply
#15	Jonel Rossbach November 4, 2007 at 2:27pm It's so hard to believe that life can be taken away so suddenly. My heart and prayers go out to the Shay family. reply
#14	Brownie_23 November 3, 2007 at 11:45pm So terribly young too die. May his wife and family be in peace morning the tragic loss. Ryan ran for his passion and his heart got the best out of him. Peace to him! reply
#13	Mstrenigma_x November 3, 2007 at 11:26pm Please consider doing your Sunday workout tomorrow in honor of Ryan Shay. We're posting our results and wishes here: http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=2204154 Rest in peace, Ryan; we're running for you tomorrow, man. reply
#12	Victoria_x November 3, 2007 at 7:59pm I was shocked to hear the news and I am heartbroken. He gave so much to the sport and passed while doing something he loved. My heart goes out to Alicia and the Shay family during this difficult time. I will keep them in my prayers. reply
#11	Cara Hawkins November 3, 2007 at 5:45pm I really can't fanthom it. I will keep his family in my prayers. reply
#10	Len November 3, 2007 at 4:36pm Ryan will never die. He will continue to run in Gods kingdom I hope one day all of us can run with him reply
#9	George Carter November 3, 2007 at 4:02pm At least we know he went doing something he loved. My thoughts and prayers go to him and his family. reply
#8	Runsaul_x November 3, 2007 at 3:46pm God Bless Shay's family. They will be in my prayers reply
#7	Just Me November 3, 2007 at 1:33pm may God bless your soul, ryan shay and bless your family reply
#6	Runningman_x November 3, 2007 at 1:00pm I am shocked and stunned. We never know when it will happen but we can never imagine that it will happen to a young man full of life and such a runner. May God give his family comfort in this time of grief. reply
#5	Caz November 3, 2007 at 12:06pm seems so strange... how does that happen? sux man, god be with him reply
#4	RUN_x November 3, 2007 at 11:48am This is such a tradgedy. I am very curious to hear why he died. My thoughts and prayers are with his family reply
#3	Andrew ORourke November 3, 2007 at 11:19am I was their at mile 5 and half. Once he went down, he was giving medical attention right away. Everyone thought he just tripped going down hill. Thoughts and prayers to his family. reply
#2	Keep Running November 3, 2007 at 11:11am This is very humbling. It really makes you realize how fragile life is -- you see the highs of winning and then such a tragedy as this. We will miss you Ryan. reply
#1	Shaun November 3, 2007 at 10:59am My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. reply