Clyde Shank, a resident of Plano, reached a significant personal milestone by completing his 800th marathon on September 19, 2026. The race took place in Hermiston, Oregon, as part of the Mainly Marathons Northwest Series. Shank finished the event just before his 80th birthday, following a previous marathon run earlier that day, which marked his 799th.
The weather in Hermiston was cool and clear, with temperatures starting in the upper 40s before rising. While the location is known as the Watermelon Capital of the World, it did not offer a local crowd for Shank. However, fellow participants recognized the significance of the occasion.
Many runners in the Northwest Series race wore tighty-whities to honor Shank’s achievement and acknowledge his interest in cryotherapy treatments.
Shank’s marathon career began in Dallas on December 4, 1994, with the White Rock Marathon, an event now known as the BMW Dallas Marathon. Over the subsequent three decades, he has expanded his running to include at least 10 marathons in every U.S. state, three on every continent, and three in Antarctica. He has also completed a marathon at the North Pole.
His routine involves multi-day and multi-state challenges, where finishing one race often serves as the start for the next.
Shank attributes his longevity in the sport to consistency, community, and active aging rather than elite athletic status. He tracks various metrics, including training pace, weight, recovery, nutrition, and medical monitoring, adjusting his approach when necessary. Cryotherapy is a key part of his recovery strategy, and he modifies his training if discomfort or injuries arise.
