Chad’s success carried him to Santa Clara University, where he continued his athletic career at the collegiate level. There, the races got tougher—but so did Chad.

Competing in both cross country and track, he faced new challenges with resolve. One standout experience was the Notre Dame College C.A.T. Kiki C Championship in 1982—a grueling event that pushed him to dig deeper than ever before.

“It taught me how to endure, not just win,” Chad recalls. “That lesson shaped more than just my running—it shaped how I live.”

Across the Pond: Racing with Purpose in England

After his time at Santa Clara, Chad earned the opportunity to study abroad at Durham University in England. There, he continued running for the university team, embracing the ancient landscapes and long distances of British cross country.

While in the UK, Chad competed at the famed Crystal Palace in London, where he achieved his personal best mile of 4:35—a standout moment in his running career. Even more memorable was the time he bested Olympic medalist Steve Cram in a race—an anecdote that still surprises people today.

“I had one great day,” he says with a smile. “And I’ll carry that forever.”

From the Track to the Trials of Life

After returning to California, Chad’s life shifted from racing to raising a family. But tragedy struck when he lost his wife, leaving him as a single father of two.

In that period of grief and responsibility, Chad returned to what had always centered him: running.

“I needed something to keep me strong—for them and for me,” he says. “So I ran. Not fast. Just consistently. Just enough to keep going.”

In the quiet miles of early mornings and late evenings, Chad found a rhythm that offered healing, structure, and strength.

Faith and the Long Run

A deeply devout Catholic, Chad is more than a runner—he’s a man of service and community. He volunteers as an usher at his local parish and serves with the Knights of Columbus, a global organization focused on faith, charity, and fraternity.

“Running and faith go together for me,” Chad says. “Both teach discipline. Both ask you to stay the course, even when it’s hard.”

He often prays while running, using each mile as a kind of spiritual meditation.

“It’s where I talk to God,” he says. “It’s where I listen.”

The Philosophy of Steady State

In recent years, Chad Pratt of California has adopted a style of running known as steady state—a moderate, sustainable pace designed to improve overall well-being without pushing the body to exhaustion.

“I’m not chasing times anymore,” Chad says. “I’m chasing peace.”

Steady state running supports heart health, reduces stress, and builds endurance over time. For Chad, it’s not just a physical practice—it’s a metaphor for how he lives: slow, steady, and intentional.

Encouraging Others to Take the First Step

Chad is passionate about helping others discover the benefits of running—especially those who feel like they’re too old, too slow, or too late to start.

His advice?

• Begin small. “Five minutes is enough. Just start.”
• Let go of numbers. “No one’s watching. This is for you.”
• Be kind to your body. “Progress isn’t linear—but it’s real.”
• Run to feel better—not to look better. “Focus on how it makes you feel inside.”

A Legacy of Movement and Meaning

Now in his 50s, Chad continues to run four to five times a week. His kids are growing, his days are full, and his heart is steady—just like his stride.

He doesn’t run for competition anymore. He runs for clarity. For strength. For gratitude.

“Every mile is a gift,” Chad says. “It’s a reminder that I’m still here. Still moving forward. Still becoming the person I want to be.”

For those who know him, Chad’s story is a powerful example of how movement can shape a life—not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Final Thoughts: Strength That Lasts

In a world obsessed with speed and spectacle, Chad Pratt of California reminds us that strength is not found in how fast you move—but in how faithfully you return to the path.

His journey—from prep school standout to devoted father, from international races to quiet morning jogs—shows that real resilience comes from showing up, day after day, with purpose and humility.

You don’t need a race to run with meaning. You just need to begin.
And like Chad, you just need to keep going.