Streaking runner marks 30 years with 30 laps

John Chandler fretted that his plans to run 30 laps on the Whitefish Bay track Tuesday night would jinx his streak, something akin to talking about a no-hitter in progress or printing playoff tickets in advance.

His celebratory side took over, however, and the financial planner has invited guests to join him as he marks 30 years of continuous running - at least one mile a day for 10,958 days. His streak ranks 52nd on the list of active streaks recognized by the United States Running Streak Association Inc.

As Lee Bergquist reported the day he hit 10,000, Chandler has laced 'em up despite bouts of patellar tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, a bad back, turf toe, a cracked rib, broken scapula, strained intercostal muscles, surgery to remove kidney stones and a broken ankle.

Then there was this business of a transient ischemic attack - a mini-stroke - and a warning that a full stroke might eventually follow, in 2003.

Bergquist reported then that Chandler runs because he loves it. He ran at Brookfield Central and at Lawrence University and never drifted away from the sport.

Each mile is a celebration, and he expects to enjoy about 7 1/2 of them this evening. Guests are encouraged to join him on the track, 1200 E. Fairmount Ave., in Whitefish Bay, at 6:30.

John Chandler on the run in Milwaukee.

Journal Sentinel photo by Tom Lynn