Tom Fleming pictured here with his 2016 NJ Prep Championship team.
On Wednesday afternoon New Jersey distance running legend Tom Fleming, 65, passed away after an apparent heart attack while coaching his Montclair Kimberley Academy squad at a dual meet in Verona.
Well liked and well known Fleming had an extraordinary track record in the running world. Featuring inductions into two running Hall of Fames, previously holding multiple american long distance records, as well as a great number of marathon triumphs ranging from winning the New York City Marathon twice to top fives internationally and in the Olympic Trials. For a more in depth look at Fleming's racing career as well as photos head over to Paul Schwartz' article breaking the unfortunate news.
Along with his long time cross country and track and field coaching duties at Montclair Kimberley Academy Fleming was also a fourth grade teacher. Their school website announced that "due to the loss of a beloved member of our faculty, Tom Fleming, the Middle School will not be in session for students tomorrow, Thursday, April 20."
Embedded below is a highlight video from his 2014 induction into the National Distance Running Hall of Fame.