Alberto Salazar is known throughout the world as the charismatic runner who won three consecutive New York City Marathons in the early 80's.

Born in Havana, Cuba in 1958, his parents and siblings left the island for Miami and eventually moved north to Manchester, Connecticut and then to Wayland, Massachusetts where he competed in track and field in high school.

In 1980, Salazar ran and won his first New York City Marathon. At the time it was the fastest marathon debut in history. In 1981, Salazar broke a 12-year old world marathon record at New York with a time of 2:08:13. He went on to win New York a third consecutive time in 1982, the last time an American would rein victorious over the New York City Marathon.

Salazar's victory over Dick Beardsley at the 1982 Boston Marathon is hailed as the most memorable battle in the history of the Boston Marathon. From the beginning Salazar and Beardsley ran together, each leading at different points throughout the course. The last mile was an out and out battle for the finish with Salazar outkicking Beardsley for the victory.

Throughout his career, he set six U.S. records and one world record. After a long absence from the sport to focus on his health, Salazar returned in 1994 to compete as an ultra-marathoner. He won the world famous Comrades Marathon, a 53-mile race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

Today, Salazar travels the world representing running for Nike. He conducts running clinics for children and young adults throughout the country. Salazar and his wife, Molly, have three children and reside in Oregon.