Meet Forest
Posted on Aug 26, 2026, by Nieko Giuliani
MEET LEGACY RUNNER: Forest Pearson
Legacy Runner Driven by Passion and People
Forrest Pearson didn’t plan on running the inaugural Community First Fox Cities Marathon in 1991. Visiting relatives in Appleton after running the Twin Cities Marathon the weekend prior, a chance encounter with a friend the night before changed his plans. Forrest walked into the registration pavilion just 20 minutes before the start, wrote a check, and sprinted to the starting line.
Thirty-four years later, he is one of only 10 Legacy runners who have finished every Fox Cities Marathon since its inception. Yet, that isn’t even his most impressive streak.
One Mile Each Day
Next spring, the Hudson, Wisconsin native will reach another milestone: 40 consecutive years of running at least one mile every day. Originally starting as a simple training tool, his streak grew to seven or more miles daily. It took on a life of its own, persevering through pneumonia, broken ribs, and hernia surgery.
Overall, Forrest estimates he has logged over 100,000 miles, completed 107 marathons, and finished four 50-mile ultra-marathons.
Diagnosed with asthma in junior high school, Forrest learned to manage it and built endurance. “Running made me much more healthy overall,” he said. At his peak, Forrest set a personal record of 2:38:28, running just over six minutes per mile.
Over the years, Forrest has shared miles with his family. In 2022, his daughter Clare joined him at the Fox Cities course for his 101st marathon. A former high school physics teacher turned construction worker, Forrest also embraced mountain biking when his son Max got interested. Today, he coaches a mountain biking team and works at a bike shop.
‘Just Kept Coming Back’
Although his Appleton relatives eventually moved back to Minnesota, the local running community kept Forrest returning. “The Fox Cities Marathon was so inviting. I met so many great people that we’ve just been doing it ever since.”
In 1992, Forrest chatted with two runners during the race, offering pointers along the way. In succeeding years, the trio met up and ran together during races. He also befriended fellow runner, Norb Lauer, at subsequent marathons. “Part of the reason I have been so in love with running is the relationships I’ve built,” Forrest said.
Community support is another key factor. When severe thunderstorms canceled one race, Forrest ran the course anyway once weather cleared. Neighbors still cheered, and one resident left water bottles on the curb, a gesture Forrest thanked him for years later.
For first-time marathoners, his advice is simple: stay relaxed and don’t rush. “Don’t even think about going faster than your training pace until the last two or three miles.”
And when spectators shout the inevitable line from Forrest Gump? He smiles, waves, and keeps running.
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