Running News Daily

1988 Olympic Marathon Trials Winner Mark Conover Dies of Cancer

Mark Conover, who stunned the American running world when he won the 1988 Olympic Marathon Trials in 1988, died on Wednesday, April 6, at age 61, of a recurrent cancer. A distinguished college coach, Conover also became an inspiring advocate of running as a positive force in times of ill health.

Conover will long be remembered for the unexpectedness and scale of his marathon breakthrough on the day that mattered (a PR by more than 5 minutes), and for the courage and grace of his prolonged struggle with cancer. 

He was still at the peak of his running, having placed 10th at the 1992 Olympic Marathon Trials, when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1993. He recovered, after extensive treatment, and qualified for and ran in the 1996 Olympic Marathon Trials.

He then started his coaching career, married Kelly Cordell (an All-American at Arizona State), and in 2007 became the devoted father of triplets—another surprise that reshaped his life. 

Cancer returned in 2018 in the form of mantle cell lymphoma. Conover’s response was to contribute to Runner’s World an unforgettably moving and powerful affirmation of the positive effect of running, and the value of the support of the running community, in the midst of probably terminal illness. 

“We all know the health benefits of running...but when you’ve got a life-threatening illness, running becomes even more important,” he wrote, detailing the gains in blood flow, self esteem, and pain management, as well as the moral and practical support he received from the running community. One friend even marketed running socks with Conover’s image on them as a fundraiser for his medical costs.