Often called the “father of long distance running”, Theodore “Ted” Corbitt, PT, MPT has made huge contributions to both the sport of running as well as physical therapy.
Ted Corbitt was a runner at the University of Cincinnati. Due to racial discrimination, he was often not allowed to run during meets or even share lodging with his teammates. Despite this, Corbitt went on to be an accomplished runner; competing in the 1952 Olympic Marathon and winning a the National Marathon Championship at the Yonkers Marathon in 1954.
Upon returning from his service in World War II, Corbitt obtained his Masters in Physical Therapy. He would go on to work as a PT for over 40 years. He also taught at Columbia University and is known for his innovative discussions regarding connective tissue massage, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and more.
Over the years, Corbitt became a part of various running boards and committees. He went on to cofound the New York Road Runners Inc. and become a huge advocate for the running community. He developed a standardized method for measuring race courses utilizing a calibrated bicycle. This method is still used today. In addition to this, Corbitt pushed to recognize runner’s achievements in relation to their age, and went on to help create the masters division for runners over 40.
In 1998, Corbitt was among the first five runners to be inducted into the National Distance Running Hall of Fame. Corbitt was also inducted into the American Ultrarunning Hall of Fame, on its inauguration in April 2006.
A true legend and pioneer in the world of sports performance and medicine, Ted Corbitt stayed active in the athletic community until his death in in 2007 at age 88.
These accomplishments are just a small piece of Ted Corbitt’s contributions. To learn more, go to the Ted Corbitt Archives.
