University of Northern Iowa
10/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/23/2025 13:09
UNI to honor professor’s legacy with Marathon Class Fun Run, Nov. 1
1990 marathon course finishers
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa will honor the life and legacy of beloved psychology professor David A. Whitsett with the Marathon Class Fun Runon Saturday, Nov. 1, beginning at 11 a.m. in the Bartlett Hall Courtyard on the UNI campus.
The 2.6-mile campus run is a lighthearted tribute to UNI's legendary "Marathon Class," co-created in the 1980s by Whitsett and Forrest Dolgener, professor of physical education. The original class gained national attention for helping first-time runners complete a full marathon through a unique blend of physical training and psychological preparation.
"The Marathon Class exemplified UNI's hands-on, or feet-on, interdisciplinary approach to learning," said head of the Department of Psychology Adam Butler. "Dr. Whitsett and Dr. Dolgener inspired students to connect mind and body, lessons that still resonate today. We have heard from many alums that the course profoundly changed their lives."
The UNI Marathon Class became a model of innovation, inspiring the nationally recognized book, "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer" (1998), which introduced thousands of readers to the same approach that guided UNI students to the finish line. Over its 16-year history, nearly 200 students completed marathons through the class.
The Nov. 1 fun run invites alumni, students, faculty and community members to relive the spirit of that course at a little easier pace, "one-tenth the miles, all the legend." Participation is free, and all runners and walkers will receive a commemorative sticker.
Registration is available at csbs.uni.edu/fun-run.
Following the fun run, a Celebration of Life for Dr. Whitsett will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Marquee Lounge at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Friends, colleagues and alumni are invited to stop by and share memories.
In conjunction with the event, the university has established the David A. Whitsett Legacy of Imagination Endowed Scholarship, which supports junior or senior psychology majors demonstrating financial need, with preference for those pursuing UNI's work psychology certificate, Whitsett's area of expertise. For more information and to donate, visit https://give.uni.edu/david-a-whitsett-legacy-of-imagination-endowed-scholarship.
Those wishing to share a memory of Dr. Whitsett or their experience in the Marathon Class can do so at: csbs.uni.edu/remember-dr-whitsett.
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