2016 Inductees

Meet the Dayton Distance Running Hall of Fame's Class of 2016: Denny Bayhem, Jim Gross, Dan Thompson, Andy White, and Earl Zilles.

Denny Bayhem

Denny began running in grade school attending Our Lady of the Rosary in Dayton, OH. Little did he know at the time that he would go on to become a national caliber distance runner who would also compete internationally representing his country.

Jim Gross

Jim spent 36 years working for the Montgomery County Health Department, including seven years as the Health Commissioner. In that role, Jim developed and led the largest healthy lifestyle program in Ohio.

Dan Thompson

Dan has been, and continues to be, an important cog in the operations of the Ohio River Road Runners Club (ORRRC), which is one of the largest running clubs in America. His contributions to the club are seemingly endless.

Andy White

Andy has excelled as both a runner and a coach. With a solid history of success at the high school and college level as a runner, he moved on to the coaching ranks and is currently a highly successful high school track and cross country coach.

Earl Zilles

Earl made his mark as a five time State Champion in high school, continued to perform strongly in college, and then went on to burn up the roads in post-academic racing.