David Pain

At 90, Earl Fee thinks he'll remain the oldest man to beat his age in the 400-meter dash.

Records July 31, 2019

Sprinters in 90s honor David Pain’s birthday with world records at 400 meters

Wednesday would have been David Pain’s 97th birthday, and I’m marking the occasion by posting video of his funeral I shot April 6, 2019, at Faith Presbyterian Church in San Diego. Earl Fee, Diane Hoffman and Diane Friedman didn’t attend — but their latest ninety-something world record performances in the 400-meter dash are a virtual memorial to the founder of masters track. At Toronto WMA regionals July 19, Earl notched his 60th world age-group record, clocking 89.15 in the 400 at age 90 — and becoming the oldest to beat his age over the one-lap race. “In all probability I…

Linda and David Pain enjoyed his 90th birthday party in 2012 at the San Diego church where he'll be remembered on April 6.

Obituaries March 17, 2019

Celebration of Life for David Pain set for April 6 at San Diego church he attended

Friends and family of David Pain, the Columbus of masters track, will gather at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at Faith Presbyterian Church near his San Diego home for a Celebration of Life. On Sunday, his family-written obituary appeared in The San Diego Union-Tribune. Read it here. Among many other things, we learn that David “started a lawn-cutting business and worked full time as a gardener throughout high school. His love of gardening continued into his 80s with a plot filled with vegetables as well as many flower varieties, including prize-worthy Epiphyllums. During his senior year, he became a U.S….

Linda and David Pain, observing a masters meet as honored guests, made everything possible for us.

Obituaries February 16, 2019

Our founding father has passed: David Pain dies at 96 at home in San Diego

I’ll share my own memories later. For now, please see my obituary of David Pain on Times of San Diego. It’s impossible to overstate what David meant to me, the sport and the world. Please join me in wishing deepest condolences to Linda Pain and their extended family. Meanwhile, here are some touching remembrances from his 90th birthday party and 2014 salute by the San Diego Track Club.

General February 6, 2019

Peter Brady debuts Masters Milers podcast on iTunes with John Trautmann, Nick Berra

In the beginning was the masters mile — exhibition events at indoor meets for middle-age men. David Pain of San Diego organized these races and found them popular enough to start a sport — masters track and field. (Older athletes had run track, but David’s role was being the Johnny Appleseed of age-group athletics.) More than 50 years later, M45 middle-distance star Peter Brady is continuing the Pain legacy. First he helped found the Masters Milers group on Facebook (with 1,000 members). This month he’s launched a podcast — free audio interviews on Apple iTunes. (A related website is a…