Rod Dixon of New Zealand is the only New York City Marathon champion to also have won an Olympic medal at 1500 meters. At age 22, he captured bronze in Munich in 1972, and 11 years later he won the 1983 New York City Marathon in dramatic fashion, coming from behind to overtake race leader Geoff Smith of Great Britain in the 26th mile.

Known for his versatility, he once ran a world-class time of 8:29 for the 3000-meter steeplechase despite never having trained for the event. Several years after his marathon win in New York he covered the race as a TV commentator by wearing a “helmet-cam” and keeping pace with the lead runners.

Dixon is the founder and CEO of Rod Dixon’s KiDSMARATHON Foundation, which has a mission to encourage all kids to be active and to make healthy choices in their daily life. He still runs regularly, often accompanying KiDSMARATHON participants in their workouts. “As you get older, your body is your life,” he says. “If your body stays in good shape, you can lead a much fuller and more energetic life.”