Ben True

Ben True
Name	Ben True
Birth date	9 May 1985
Birth place	Portland, Maine, United States
Sport	Track and field, Cross country, Road racing
Event	1500 metres, Mile, 3000 metres, 5000 metres, 10,000 metres, Cross country
Club	Bowerman Track Club (formerly)
College	Dartmouth College

Ben True Ben True (born May 9, 1985) is an American middle- and long-distance runner known for competition on the track, road, and in cross country. He has represented the United States at national championships, international competitions, and professional circuit events, earning national titles and podiums across distances from the 1500 metres to 10,000 metres. True has been affiliated with major organizations and training groups in American distance running and has notable performances in events held in the United States and internationally.

Early life and education

True was born in Portland, Maine and raised in Kennebunk, Maine. He attended Kennebunk High School where he competed in cross country and track under local coaches before enrolling at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. At Dartmouth he studied and competed while participating in Ivy League athletics, balancing academics with participation in regional meets organized by bodies such as the NCAA and Ivy League championships. His early development included competition against regional rivals from institutions like Brown University, Yale University, and Harvard University.

Collegiate career

At Dartmouth College, True ran for the Dartmouth Big Green and placed prominently at events including the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships and the IC4A Championships. He earned All‑Ivy honors and competed in NCAA regional and national meets alongside athletes from programs such as Stanford Cardinal and University of Oregon. His collegiate results drew attention from professional coaches and sponsors including representatives of groups like Nike and professional training groups based in the United States.

Professional running career

After college, True turned professional and joined elite training groups and clubs, competing on circuits that included the Diamond League, USA Track & Field Championships, and international road racing events. He raced frequently in meets promoted by organizations such as World Athletics and national governing bodies at distances including the 1500 metres, mile, 3000 metres, 5000 metres, and 10,000 metres. True has competed against prominent contemporaries including athletes from Bowerman Track Club, Oregon Project alumni, and American rivals who have represented the United States at the Olympic Games and IAAF World Championships in Athletics.

True ran for professional teams and was sponsored by athletic brands while racing at notable venues such as Hayward Field and meets like the Prefontaine Classic. He took part in road races and cross country competitions organized by groups including the USA Cross Country Championships and international meets in Europe and North America, facing competitors from teams like Adidas Running and national teams from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Great Britain.

Major achievements and personal bests

True won national titles and achieved podium finishes at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, the USA Cross Country Championships, and the USATF Road Running Championships. He earned medals and national recognition racing against American elites including Olympians and World Championship competitors. His personal best performances include competitive times across multiple distances recorded in meets sanctioned by World Athletics and national statisticians. He posted top marks in the mile, 3000 metres, 5000 metres, and 10,000 metres at meets in cities such as New York City, Boston, and international meets in Europe.

Coaching, training, and running style

True has trained under notable coaches and within professional groups that emphasize high mileage, interval sessions, and race-specific workouts. His training environments included altitude stints and track cycles common among American elites who prepare for events like the Olympic Trials (United States) and national championships. He has been associated with training partners from clubs such as the Bowerman Track Club and has worked with coaches with backgrounds at institutions like University of Oregon and professional programs connected to Nike and other sports science teams. Observers have noted his racing style as tactical and competitive, executing kick finishes and disciplined pacing strategies commonly seen among successful middle- and long-distance runners.

Personal life

True has maintained ties to his native Maine and the New England running community, participating in regional events and supporting local running clubs. Off the track he has connections with organizations in the running industry and has been involved with events featuring athletes from the USA and abroad. He has balanced professional competition with personal commitments, interacting with media outlets and race organizers in cities like Portland, Oregon and New York City.

Category:American male middle-distance runners Category:American male long-distance runners Category:Dartmouth Big Green athletes Category:People from Portland, Maine