USA Track & Field
  • Disciplines
  • Events
  • Programs
  • Resources
  • Associations
  • Safe Sport
  • USATF Fantasy Pick'Em
  • News
  • Membership
  • Clubs
  • Event Insurance / Sanctions
  • Shop
  • Watch
  • USATF Connect Login
Back to Athlete Bios
Athlete Bio

Bob Larsen

Basic Information

Status: Hall of Fame Gender: Male Date of Birth: 1/23/1939

Athletics Information

Event: Cross Country, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field Agent: N/A

Residences

Hometown: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota High School: Hoover High School, San Diego, California College: San Diego State College

During the 15 seasons Bob Larsen served as coach of the UCLA Bruins men’s track and field and cross country teams, he led 12 individuals to a total of 20 NCAA titles and won back-to-back NCAA Outdoor titles in 1987 and 1988.

In a brilliant career that has spanned six decades, Larsen would coach 13 athletes to a total of 25 national championships. As UCLA’s head coach, he held a 118-3-1 record in dual meets and was selected PAC-10 Coach of the Year nine times. He was selected the Team USA distance coach for the 2004 Olympic Games where he coached Meb Keflezighi to a silver medal in the marathon and later helped him to win the 2009 New York City Marathon.

Three times in his career Larsen was selected NCAA track and field coach of the year (’87, ’88, ’95) and once in cross country (’80). Larsen is the subject of a documentary film to be released in the spring 2014 entitled, “City Slickers Can’t Stay with Me: The Bob Larsen Story.” Larsen was the recipient of the 2019 USATF Legend Coach Award.

Our Sport. Our team. Our journey. Join our team. Become a USATF Member today

  • Join Today

Official Sponsors

Official Suppliers

Official Technology Partners

Official Medical Network Partner

  • Contact Us
  • About USATF
  • Governance
  • Media Center
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
Copyright 2025 USA Track & Field  Privacy Policy  Website Terms of Use  Ad Choices