Meet Bob Anderson the founder of KATA

Bob Anderson, born on December 28, 1947, in Manhattan, Kansas, has profoundly influenced the global running community through his multifaceted roles as a publisher, entrepreneur, event organizer, and athlete.

His journey began in Kansas, where, as a teenager, he developed a passion for running. At age 15, he clocked a 2:08.5 in the 880-yard run, winning a Junior Olympics event and setting the stage for a lifelong dedication to running.

Anderson attended Shawnee Mission West High School in Overland Park, Kansas, where his passion for running often took precedence over academics. In his senior year, he placed third at his regional cross-country meet, a two-mile race that highlighted his dedication to the sport. He dipped just under 10 minutes for two miles, and on the track, he achieved success, running a 4:41 mile.

In January 1966, while still in high school, Anderson launched Distance Running News with just $100 he had saved from babysitting and mowing lawns. Frustrated by the lack of information available on running marathons, especially details about the Boston Marathon, Anderson created his publication to provide reliable resources for runners. Four years later, in January 1970, he renamed it Runner’s World, a name that would soon become synonymous with the sport itself.

Seeking new opportunities, Anderson packed up his belongings in a ten-foot truck and moved from Manhattan, Kansas, to Mountain View, California, arriving on December 30, 1969. From his new base, he and his staff transformed Runner’s World into the go-to publication for runners, covering training, injury prevention, and stories of elite athletes. Under his leadership, the magazine’s readership skyrocketed to over two and a half million by the time he sold it in 1984.

A visionary in the running community, Anderson pioneered many firsts. In 1972, he opened Starting Line Sports, one of the first running stores in the world and the first to offer mail-order services for running gear. Not only did it provide runners with specialized shoes and apparel, but it also allowed customers to order running products from anywhere. This groundbreaking approach set a new standard in the running industry, making running gear accessible to runners worldwide.

In the same year, Anderson organized his first Olympic tour, enabling groups to experience the Summer Games firsthand. These tours became a cherished tradition, fostering a sense of global connection among participants. He also founded the Corporate Cup Relay, an event that invited corporate teams—such as AT&T, Texas Instruments, IBM, HP, and over 100 other companies—to participate in relay races, promoting fitness and teamwork within the business community, with finals held at Stanford University.

In the early 1980s, Anderson organized the Runner’s World Indoor Classic, an indoor track event held at the Cow Palace in South San Francisco that attracted elite runners and captivated fans. Notably, at this event, Steve Scott became the first athlete to run a sub-four-minute mile indoors in Northern California, marking a significant milestone in the region's athletic history.

Anderson's initiatives didn’t stop there; he also established National Running Week, a dedicated time for runners around the world to celebrate their sport. As part of this initiative, Anderson organized the Runner’s World 5 Mile Classic, where Alberto Salazar set an American record that still stands today. The expo brought together vendors, athletes, and enthusiasts, creating a vibrant community space that allowed runners to connect, learn, and gear up for race day—a pioneering concept that has since become a standard feature at major races worldwide.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Anderson continued to innovate. He recognized the value of long-distance events for women and older adults, publishing articles advocating for allowing women to compete in distances beyond 880 yards and promoting the benefits of running over age 40. At the time he launched Distance Running News, women were restricted to short-distance events, and very few people over 40 were active runners. Through his publication’s influence, Anderson helped shift perceptions, paving the way for women to compete in longer races and encouraging people of all ages to embrace running.

One of Anderson’s most notable contributions to the running world was the introduction of the Runner's World annual shoe issue, which rated running shoes—a pioneering effort in the field. With this issue, he became one of the first to assess and rank running shoes based on quality, comfort, and performance. A first-place rating in Runner’s World became highly coveted by shoe manufacturers, as it could translate to millions of dollars in sales. He had the shoes tested at Penn State University making sure the featured were measured correctly.

Though the issue occasionally sparked controversy among brands competing for the top rating, it undeniably transformed the running shoe industry. The quality of running shoes improved significantly in response to this annual issue, helping to reduce injuries and allowing runners to achieve faster times. Anderson’s shoe issue set a new standard for both the industry and consumer expectations.

In addition to his achievements with Runner’s World, Anderson made a significant impact in publishing by starting a book division that focused on running and fitness. Over the years, he published more than 100 books dedicated to various aspects of running, training, and wellness, shaping knowledge in the field and inspiring countless readers. One of the most notable books was Dr. Sheehan on Running by Dr. George Sheehan, a beloved figure in the running community. This book was listed on the New York Times bestseller list, reaching a broad audience and cementing Anderson’s role in elevating running literature to mainstream success.

In 2012, Anderson launched My Best Runs, a comprehensive website dedicated to showcasing the world's best races. That same year, at age 64, he challenged himself to complete 50 races, covering 350.8 miles with an average pace of 6:59 per mile—his goal, which he successfully achieved. His journey, documented in the film A Long Run, highlights his commitment to the sport and his resilience. Described by Dan Brown of the San Jose Mercury News as “one man’s story, but every runner’s journey,” A Long Run connects Anderson to icons like Bill Rodgers, Billy Mills, and Paula Radcliffe, while also celebrating the local thrill of a community 5K. Featuring gorgeous cinematography that captures The Avenue of the Giants, the San Francisco landscapes, and the scenic vistas of Fort Bragg, the film intertwines Anderson’s 50-race challenge, the rise of Runner’s World, and the running boom with “Olympic-caliber pacing.” Brown notes that by the end of the film, viewers are left with “a runner’s high, without all the sweat.” At 76, Anderson remains active, running 10Ks in under 54 minutes and 5Ks in under 26 minutes, inspiring runners of all ages.

In 2010, Anderson created the sport of Double Racing, a two-stage race featuring a 10K run followed by a 5K run after a recovery half-time break. His flagship event, the Double Road Race 15K, combines both stages’ times for a final score, adding a strategic element to traditional racing. Anderson established the Double Road Race Federation to oversee and standardize the events. Today, he organizes four Double Racing events: the Brisbane Double, Golden Gate Double, Palo Alto Double, and Kenya Double. Each of these events also includes open 10K and 5K races, along with the Bob Anderson Kids One Mile to promote running among children.

In 1984, Anderson sold Runner’s World to Rodale Press as part of a divorce settlement. This agreement included a non-compete clause that required him to leave behind all running-related activities, including book publishing, the Corporate Cup Relay, Starting Line Sports, Olympic tours, his weekly Fun Runs program, The Marathoner quarterly, Racing Report, and his iconic annual shoe issue. At the time of the sale, Anderson’s company employed 350 people. Concerned for their futures, he negotiated with Rodale Press to ensure that all staff received six months of pay or until they found other work.

On November 1, 1995, Anderson met Catherine Cross, who would later become his wife. After years together, they married on December 31, 2016, in a treehouse in Central Park, New York, creating a magical and memorable ceremony. From a previous marriage, Anderson has two children and is a proud grandfather to four grandchildren, finding joy in family life alongside his running career.

In 2019, Anderson expanded his influence by opening the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA) in Thika, Kenya. KATA is a world-class training facility that provides Kenyan athletes with top-tier coaching and resources, celebrating the nation’s legacy of producing many world-class professional runners.

At the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA), guests are encouraged to experience the thrill of training alongside elite Kenyan runners under the guidance of accredited Kenyan coaches. For an all-inclusive fee, participants gain access to a world-class training environment, complete with personalized coaching, expert guidance, and immersion in Kenya’s renowned running culture. This unique opportunity allows runners of all levels to push their limits, improve their skills, and connect with some of the most celebrated athletes in the sport.

More recently, in October 2024, Anderson launched KATA Portugal, located at Anderson Manor in Monforte de Beira, Portugal. This retreat combines athletic training with a holistic approach to wellness, offering activities like yoga, massage, hiking, and relaxation. Led by accredited Kenyan coaches, KATA Portugal offers runners a unique training experience. Bob Anderson and his wife spend about 45% of their time there, and Bob enjoys running with guests on some of the scenic courses he has found.