Personality Test: Mike Radley
Mike Radley and running are synonymous, whether he is leading the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race, directing the city of Pittsburgh's Department of Parks and Recreation (Citiparks) or logging miles along one of Pittsburgh's many trails. Radley is definitely a man on the move, but he might slow down a bit soon.
On March 31, he is retiring after 35 years working for the city he loves and has lived in his entire life. The Brookline resident has been married to Judi for 30-plus years and they have two daughters, one son-in-law and an adorable granddaughter, Jocelyn, who now runs the “tot trot” as a “Junior” Great Racer.
Radley is a graduate of South Catholic High School, Community College of Allegheny County and the University of Pittsburgh. He began his Citiparks career at Ormsby Recreation Center on the South Side before moving on to Magee Recreation Center in Greenfield. Over the years. he has managed the city's special events office and served as assistant director of recreation. In December 2009, he was appointed director of Citiparks.
Radley joined The Great Race staff in its second season and has worked 34 consecutive races, serving as the race director for the past 25 years. He has been influential in creating a community foot race series in four city neighborhoods: Brookline Breeze (he is a former race director), Run Around the Square, Greenfield Glide and Riverview 5K. Radley is a board member of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and he has served as a committee member for the Riverview Park Centennial Celebration and the Schenley Park Centennial Celebration.
The star who would play me in the movie version of my life:
Robert Duvall. He played the recluse Boo Radley in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” We sport the same haircut as well.
I can't live without my: iPod, cell phone, DVR or laptop?
DVR; great way to watch TV
My favorite reality show:
“Shark Tank”
Favorite Pittsburgh-area landmark:
West End/Elliott Overlook Park
Pick one:
A. Pirates
B. Penguins
C. Steelers
D. Other
E. I hate sports
C. Steelers. Gotta love the standard established by The Chief, a real Pittsburgher
My favorite Pittsburgh athlete:
Troy Polamalu
Top thing on my ‘bucket list' to do before I'm gone:
Visit Ireland
My favorite thing about Pittsburgh:
The remarkable character of the people from the ‘Burgh
Childhood hero:
Roberto Clemente — best baseball player/humanitarian of his time
The piece of memorabilia from my childhood I wish I still had:
The first baseball glove I had with Clemente autograph
Star I'd like to dance with on “Dancing With the Stars”:
Any star with the courage to be on the dance floor with me
My quirkiest inherited trait:
Waste not, want not
Three people I'd love to have dinner with:
The pope (Francis), Barack Obama, Mario Lemieux
Favorite guilty pleasure:
Hot food and cold beer
TV marathon I could watch all day:
“Modern Family”
The first band I saw in concert:
America with Seals & Crofts, early ‘70s, Civic Arena
The best concert I've ever seen:
Garth Brooks
My favorite sandwich, plus fixings:
Primanti egg and cheese, Pittsburgh-style with slaw & fries
The last book I read:
“Eat to Live”
I'm deathly afraid of:
Oversleeping the alarm on race day
In high school, I was:
A gearhead, big into cars
Exercise I hate most:
Core exercise — side plank
Favorite brunch food:
Frittata
The oldest thing in my refrigerator:
Tahini
The most famous person I ever became friends with:
Sean McDowell (WDVE-FM 102.5) and Dr. Mike Hutchinson (KDKA Radio)
Life would be better without:
The haters
People would be surprised to know that I:
I grew up in the city parks. Moore Park and Brookline Memorial Park were my childhood home away from home. The experience ultimately became a stepping stone for my professional career.
