Connecticut College Athletic Hall of Fame
Colin Corkery '80 was a major force in developing Connecticut College’s cross country and track and field programs in the late 1970s and early 1980s. One of the college’s first elite runners, he was a force among New England’s top collegiate competitors. Corkery ran cross country for three years and received the squad’s Most Valuable Runner Award as a senior.
In 1978, he was a founding member of Connecticut College’s track and field club, which later earned varsity status in 1986. Corkery earned status as one of the top ranked middle distance runners in New England. During the indoor track and season, he set school records in the 800m, 1,000m, 1,500m, and mile events. He earned All-New England distinction in the 800m, becoming the college’s first track and field athlete to earn that honor.
In outdoor track events, Corkery also set several Connecticut College marks in to 800m, 1,500m, and 3,00m steeplechase. In 1981, Corkery became Connecticut College’s first National qualifier when he competed at the NCAA Track and Field Championships in the 800m.
Corkery has continued his athletic career as a national top middle distance runner. His success at the U.S. Championships includes running on the champion 4x800m relay team in 1989, winning the 1998 indoor 800m masters event (men aged 40+), and winning the 800m (men aged 45+) in 2003. In 1997, Corkery broke the national record in the 800m (men aged 39).
He also has received notoriety as an ultra-marathoner and ran the second fastest 50 mile time and 100 mile trail time in North America at the 1991 Vermont 100. One year later, Corkery was an alternate to 1992 U.S. World Championships 100k (62 mile) Team.
