Jon Sutherland isn’t just any average runner; he’s a bona fide legend in the world of running who held the long-standing record for the longest active running streak in the world. Since May 29th, 1969, Jon has laced up his running shoes every single day, come rain or shine, injury or otherwise.
However, all good things must come to an end, including Sutherland’s incredible streak. At 74 years old, Sutherland has ended his record-breaking running streak after 20,309 days, or 55.6 years.

When his running streak ended, Sutherland had the longest active running streak in the world, which has now become the longest retired running streak in the world.
In an email from United States Running Streak Association (USRSA) and Streak Runners International (SRI), Sutherland said, “I started running on January 1, 1968 and I started my streak on May 29th, 1969. My last run was December 31, 2024. I ran 625 miles in 2024. My lifetime mileage is 202,420. I have so much respect for everybody involved with USRSA and I ran as much as I could. I have seen several doctors about my issue. When I try to get up and run, I’m winded quickly. None of the doctors could tell me what was the cause. I would say ‘don’t you think its from all the heat and smog I ran too in the SF [San Fernando] Valley.’ Then they say yeah thats it!”
The current number one among active streak runners is now Jim Pearson, an 80-year-old retired college cross-country and track coach from Marysville, Washington, who began his running streak on February 16, 1970โan impressive 20,054 days or 54.9 years, as of January 11, 2025.
You can find the entire active streak list HERE.

Who Is Jon Sutherland
Sutherland’s life isn’t solely defined by his running streak. He has had a vibrant career as a music journalist, rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in rock ‘n’ roll. Interestingly, he once helped Metallica find a new bassist by recommending Jason Newsted, who went on to play with the band for 15 years.
“I was talking to Lars [Ulrich] and they were looking for someone,” he told Newsweek. “I was known as the guy who knew all of the L.A. musicians, and I suggested Jason Newsted. He stuck with them for 15 years.”
In addition to his writing career, Jon has made significant contributions to the running world as a coach. He coached cross country and track at various high schools, including Notre Dame High School and Chaminade High School.
Maintaining such a lengthy streak hasn’t been without challenges. Jon had endured numerous injuries, including 10 broken bones and two arthroscopic knee surgeries. But like every stubborn runner, he continued to run daily, even if it meant adjusting his pace or distance to accommodate his recovery.

Sutherlandโs running streak may have ended, but his story is one that runners and even non-runners alike will be talking about for years to come. It wasnโt just about the numbersโthough 20,309 days is a pretty mind-blowing statโit was about his unwavering commitment to doing something he loved every single day, no matter what life threw at him.
Through decades of injuries, surgeries, and even smog-filled air in the San Fernando Valley, Sutherland just kept showing up, lacing up his shoes, and putting one foot in front of the other. Thatโs a lesson in grit and determination that goes far beyond running that I’m pretty sure most of us can learn something from.
Wow, amazing accomplishment from an ex runner who has a lot of mileage. Why did his streak endend?