Al Gordon Inspires Grandson John Roberts

John Roberts, 28, is the grandson of Al Gordon, 106, the namesake of this weekend’s NYRR Al Gordon Snowflake 4-Mile. Roberts is also the winner of the 2008 NYRR Gridiron Classic 4-Mile, held on February 3. He spoke with NYRR about how his grandfather, a Wall Street CEO for 55 years who won a World Masters Championship at 10,000 meters and finished the London Marathon at age 81, has inspired him.

How did you get started in the sport?
Both of my parents ran, so I figured there had to be some ability hidden in there. I started in high school because I couldn’t do worse at running than I did at soccer. I had an incredible coach and a great team.

I went to Harvard and tried out for the team in my freshman year, but I didn’t make it. I ran on my own for two years, tried out my junior year, and made the team. After college, a friend in New York invited me to a [Nike Central Park Track Club] workout. I’ve made most of my improvement in the last five years while training with CPTC. I’ve gotten a little better each year, and that keeps me motivated.

What sort of influence has your grandfather, Al Gordon, had on you?
He’s had a huge influence. One of the great things about him living so long is that I’ve gotten to know him really well. I’m really grateful to him that he’s stuck around this long!

He’s always been an inspirational guy. I admire how down-to-earth he is and how much he cares for people. All his life, helping people out and giving away money have been his favorite things. And I’ve always admired his energy. He’s always focused on the future instead of dwelling on the past. That’s been a big lesson for me.

I admire his humility. He doesn’t like to talk about himself, but when he does, it’s usually in a humorous, self-deprecating way. I wish I could get more stories out of him. It’s incredible how he’s always looking for new ways to challenge and improve himself.