Patti Catalano Dillon
"I can honestly say after twelve years of teaching and hearing countless guest speakers, that they do not get any better than Patti. For almost an hour and a half she kept a group of about 50 teenage girls riveted to their seats. She spoke on many subjects and personal stories, but wove a few key themes throughout: Perserverance, gumption, determination, overcoming adversity, and finding ones dreams and obtaining them."
- Tom Robinson, LaPietra School, Honolulu, HI
"Patti is the most magnetic and inspiring speaker the Striders have heard in many years."
- Dave Leonard, Merrimack Valley Striders
"...a great role model for the kids because she's actually done it. And always ties it into the kids school work. You never lose if you try your best."
-Sue Evans, Principal, Boyden Elementary School, Walpole, MA
"Our weekend with the Dillons was in a word unforgettable. Instead of getting a couple of athletes who came to make personal appearances, we encountered a family who spoke as one in all of their thoughts, words, and deeds. "
-Matt Carpenter, Director, Rye by-the-Sea Duathlon and Road Race
"As an educator and speaker over the last 35 years, I have had the opportunity to attend many events. I had the pleasure on more than one occasion to witness Patti speak and inspire her audience with her thoughtful and engaging delivery as a speaker. Her ability to connect with her audience and be in the moment...fully present, had me wanting to hear more from her.
I feel Patti's message and stories she shares of her life experience has such relevance to so many. Her authenticity, I believe, is what truly connects her to a broad audience as her words and stories seem to flow effortlessly and tailored for the group she is speaking to."
- Linda Jaros, Owner the Life Breath Wellness Center, Spokesperson/Educator for OOFOS Recovery Footwear Company
"Oregon Style Running Camp was fortunate enough to have Patti Catalano Dillon speak to our campers in August 2018. There was an immediate and direct connection between Patti and the campers. Patti was direct, honest, personable, inspiring and humble at different times. She did not remain standing in one place, but moved among the kids communicating with them rather than standing at a podium giving a rehearsed speech. She remained after and answered every question anyone asked. It is obvious that many years after her time at the top of competitive racing, that Patti gets it and is willing to share her love and enjoyment of running with others."
- Ed B. Co Director, Oregon Style Running Camp
"If Patti Dillon talks about how fun running is one more time, I'm seriously going to start thinking about exercising."
- Kelly Corrigan, author of The Middle Place and host of Foreword