Biography

A Legacy of Ultra-Long Distance Running and Humanitarian Endeavors

Stan Cottrell, at 81 years old, stands as a beacon of endurance, humanitarianism, and inspiration. With a career spanning over seven decades, he has achieved remarkable feats in Ultra-Long Distance running and has dedicated his life to charitable causes and promoting a spirit of friendship worldwide.

Who is Stan Cottrell?

Stan Cottrell is a renowned Ultra-Long Distance runner, motivational speaker, and ambassador to the peoples of the world. Over the course of his career, Stan has achieved numerous impressive feats and has used his running as a platform to promote global friendship, understanding, and unity among people of different cultures and backgrounds.

Stan Cottrell shows how he rose above the discouragement and defeat to become a world-renowned ultra-marathon runner…and he encourages you to take on challenges and strive for achievement, too. Raised in a poor family in the hollows of Kentucky, Stan could never quite measure up to his father’s expectations. Labeled a failure by his father early in life, Stan nevertheless persisted in trying to please him. When he was in sixth grade, Stan participated in a 100-yard dash at a county fair and finally discovered something at which he could excel – running. As his love and ambition for this sport grew, he began treading uncharted frontiers. His courage and endurance enabled him to accomplish amazing feats in ultradistance running. In these pages, Stan Cottrell reveals the motivating philosophy for success that he has followed throughout his life. Likening his pursuits to mountains, he shows how he struggled to the summit of each one. His fascinating story will help you feel better about yourself, boost your self-confidence, and show how you can reach new heights in life

“Through my runs, I aim to build bridges of friendship and promote global unity.”

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Doctoral of Philosophy – Counseling – Atlantic Coast College, 2017
Master of Science – 1991 – California College of Health Sciences. Community Health Administration & Wellness Promotion.
Bachelor of Science – 1966 – Western Kentucky University. Majors in Health & Physical Education – Minors in Biology, Sociology and Psychology.
25 graduate hours in Supervision – Univ. of Florida, 1967, 68.
6 semester hours – Political Science – Fla. Jr. College, 1969.
23 semester hours – Medical College of Georgia – School of Respiratory Therapy, 1977. (Cardiopulmonary Technology)
American Counsel of Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer, 2018
American Council of Exercise (ACE) Certified Health Coach 2019
American Council of Exercise (ACE) Certified Medical Exercise Specialist 2021
American Council of Exercise (ACE) Certified Group Fitness Instructor, 2022
American Council of Exercise (ACE) Specialist Programs Completed:
Behavior Change Specialist Program, 8/17/20
Orthopedic Exercise Specialist Program, 9/13/2022
Youth Fitness Specialist Program, 0/14/2202
Fitness Nutrition Specialist Program, 0/2902/22
Weight Management Specialist Program, 10/01/2022
Senior Fitness Specialist Program, 08/21/2020
Fitness Mentors Certified Personal Trainer, 09/17/2019
American Council of Exercise 115 Courses for Continuing Education Credits
35 Certificates of Completed Online Courses via Hillsdale College (From 3/2019 to current.

Stan's Awards & Certificates

Stan Cottrell has received numerous awards and honors for his accomplishments in various fields. Some of the
awards and honors he has received include

Presented to a Large Audience in Los Angeles: Prior to his 2021 run across the USA, Stan was introduced as the most promotable athlete in the world.
Organization of the American States: He was presented as “America’s best kept secret,” highlighting his extensive yet underrecognized contributions.

Citizen of the Year Award, National Jaycees, 1983
Outstanding Young Men of America Award, 1976
Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, 2018
Awarded The Healthy American Fitness Leader’s Award, HAFL (Oscar of Fitness)
Georgia Humanitarian Athlete of the Year,: 1978
Kentucky’s Ambassador of Goodwill, John Y. Brown, Governor, 1980
Honorary Sport’s Fitness Award, President Ronald Reagan, 1083

Georgia’s Official Ambassador of Goodwill, State of Georgia Senate, 1986
National Friend of the Children, Warsaw, Poland 1990
Excellence of Performance Award, United Nations 1988
Diploma of Honor Counsel of Sports, Santiago, Chile, 1992
Logan E. Weston Award, The Foundation for America, 2005
Hall of Fame, for Public Service, Leadership, and Personal Achievement, Signature Health, 2021
Rotary International, Paul Harris Fellow Award, 1991
Guinness World Record, Trans USA, 1989, 3,103.5 miles, 48 days, 1 hour, 48 minutes. 66 miles per day

Nobel Peace Prize 2017

For more than four decades, world-famous Ultra-Distance Runner and humanitarian, Stan Cottrell, has used running as the vehicle to help break down the walls which not only divide nations, but walls which divide one human heart from another.

Early Life and Discovery of Ultra-Long Distance Running

Stan’s journey began on a farm, where his daily routine involved chasing cows and performing strenuous labor. It was here that he discovered his incredible stamina and ability to run long distances day after day. This early discovery set the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to running and fitness.

WORLD ULTRA-LONG DISTANCE RUNNER

As an Ultra-Long Distance Runner, over more than 7 decades, Stan has run across 43 nations. Some of these, has been repeated more than once. By promoting the message of international friendship and goodwill, some of the following results have been accomplished:

Access to parts of the world not open to "Westerners".
Open communications with foreign government leaders.
Numerous meetings with political leaders in Wash. D.C.
Negotiations in progress with numerous "high profile” countries to establish trading relationships.
Worked to help promote U.S. image abroad.
Negotiated contracts with foreign governments that were "deemed impossible" by business professionals.

“Running is a great forum for breaking down walls which not only divide one nation from another but
walls which divide one human heart from another.” ~ Stan Cottrell

Record-Breaking Runs

Cross-Country USA Runs:
Stan has run across the United States multiple times, with his most notable achievement being a 3,000-mile journey in 2021 from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. in 100 days. This run was a testament to his endurance and a mission to raise awareness about homeless veterans.

World Record:
Stan set a world record by running across the USA in 48 days, averaging an astonishing 66 miles per day.

Global Runs:
Over the past 44 years, Stan has run the length of 43 countries, including traversing the route of the Great Wall of China. These endeavors have been part of his mission to promote friendship and the image of the United States around the world.

AUTHOR

As an author, Cottrell has written several books, including “No Mountain Too High” and “To Run And Not Be Weary.” He has also produced and appeared in numerous films, including “China Run,” “Cambodia – The Tragedy,” and “Great American Wellness Series.” His latest and newest book, “Life begins at 80,” will be released in February 2024.

No Mountain Too High, 1984, Fleming Revell, Publishers.
To Run And Not Be Weary, 1985, Fleming Revell, Publishers.
Insight, Issue 86, February 1990, “Fire & Jade”, Nightingale-Conant.
Earth Suits, Syndicated radio program, 1991
The Mindstyle of the Achiever, to be released spring, 2024
Thoughts On The Run, to be released spring 202

No Mountain Too High

1984, Fleming Revell, Publishers.

To Run And Not Be Weary

1985, Fleming Revell, Publishers

FILM PRODUCTIONS & APPEARANCES

Stan Cottrell, a celebrated marathon runner, has been featured in several documentaries and media appearances
that highlight his endurance and the message of unity he promotes through his runs. His films and interviews inspire audiences worldwide.

"The Greatest Challenge in America", 1982, A.L. Williams Insurance Company.
"Challenging The Limits", I.B.M. Corporate Motivational film.
Ben Gay Product commercial, Pfizer Corporation, 1980.
"China Run", 1:30 Minute Non-Fiction Feature film made inside the People's Republic of China, 1987.
"China Passage", Inspirational film, 24 min., distributed by Word Publishers, 1988.
"Fire & Jade", Motivational 13 min. film, Nightingale-Conant, Distributors
"Olympian Dreams", 25 min. Inspirational Video, Korea, 1988
"Cu Chi Tunnels", Executive Producer, feature documentary, filmed in Vietnam, 1988.

"Destination DaNang", non-fiction feature filmed in Vietnam from Hanoi to DaNang, 1988.
"The Wave of the Future", AquaTec Corporate Film, 1988.
"Stream of Dreams", Puridyne Corporate Film, 1989.
"Cambodia - The Tragedy", filmed in Phnom Penh - Saigon, 1990.
“Great American Wellness Series”, filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, 2003
“Bulgarian Rhapsody For Christ”, 2005
“Crimean Adventure”, Feature length film the released fall 2005
“Foxfire”, April, 2005, North Georgia Community Players, played “Dillard”

PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKER

Drawing upon my early background and experiences, I have the opportunity to speak, lecture, and conduct workshops and seminars to corporations, colleges, hospitals, schools, national and regional sales conferences, civic organizations and churches.

The following list will give an indication of the range and diversity of subjects. For instance;

“SETTING GOALS THAT WIN…OVER AND OVER”
“STAN’S TAXONOMY OF COGNITAVE BEHAVIOR”
“GET OFF YOUR FATTY ACIDS”
“THE MINDSTYLE OF THE ACHIEVER”
“FIRE & JADE”
“THE HARDEST PART OF MILKING COWS”
“NO MOUNTAIN TOO HIGH”

Philosophy and Legacy

Stan believes that everyone has unique skills and abilities hidden within them. He encourages everyone he meets to take the first step towards realizing their potential. His philosophy is not only about physical endurance but also about mental resilience and the power of taking action.

“Running is not just about the miles you cover, but the friendships you make along the way.”

Conclusion

Stan Cottrell’s life is a testament to the extraordinary impact one person can have through dedication, endurance, and a commitment to humanitarian causes. His achievements in Ultra-Long Distance running are paralleled by his efforts to promote friendship, raise awareness for critical issues, and inspire countless individuals around the world. As he continues to run and inspire, Stan Cottrell’s legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

Stan Cottrell as a valuable asset to a PR firm's clients:

By highlighting Stan’s achievements and unique brand, we can position him as a valuable asset to the PR firm’s clients, particularly those with an interest in promoting peace and understanding in today’s divisive world. Whether through speaking engagements, corporate wellness initiatives, or other forms of outreach, Stan’s message of hope and unity is one that resonates with people from all walks of life, making him a powerful ambassador for positive change.