Chicago-area runners are in for a treat on Monday, Feb. 18 and again at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 19

Dick Beardsley, who has the fourth-fastest marathon by a U.S. runner on his resume (2:08:53), will be at Universal Sole, 3254 N. Lincoln Ave., for a fun run and motivational talk on Monday night. See bottom of story for details on his CARA-sponsored Tuesday appearance.

The Universal Sole evening will begin at 6:15 p.m. with a fun run of 3 to 10 miles. All paces and abilities are encouraged to attend, according to Universal Sole owner Paul Peters.

After the run (approximately 7:15 p.m.), Beardsley will speak about running, life and his historic course record-breaking run (2:09:7) at the 1981 Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN. A Q&A session will follow. Beardsley also will be selling and signing copies of his new book, "Staying the Course: A Runner's Toughest Race." The book recounts Beardsley's stunning running career, plus his ability to overcome extreme obstacles.

"This is a must-attend for all runners," Universal Sole's Peters said. "Beardsley is such an amazing speaker, plus if you are going to run Grandma's Marathon, his talk will give you some insight to one of the world's greatest marathons.

"Dick has been an idol for me since I was in high school/college, and I think he is the same for many other people. It will be a very exciting night here at the Sole."

Beardsley's accomplishments include:

*2-time champ and course record-holder at Grandma's Marathon: 2:09:37, 1981

*London Marathon champion, 2:11:48, 1981

*2nd place, Boston Marathon (duel in the sun with Alberto Salazar), 2:08:53, 1981 (his PR)

*Winner Robert E. DeCelle Award 1982, outstanding U.S. distance runner

*Comeback runner of the year 1990, Runners World Magazine

*Road Runners Club of America Hall of Fame Guiness Book of World Records "longest consecutive string of faster marathon times (13)."

The evening is being presented by Universal Sole, Marathon & Beyond Magazine and the Running Network.

For further information, call Universal Sole at 773-868-0893 or go to www.universalsole.com.

Beardsley also will appear at noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at a free talk hosted by the Chicago Area Runners Association. It will be in the Continental Room (7th floor) at the Chicago Athletic Association, 12 S. Michigan. Enter on Madison. Attendees are welcome to bring sack lunches. For information, call 312-666-9836.