Celebrating the Legacy of Reo Rorem: A Champion's Journey Through Racing

Competitive Road Racer Reo Rorem Passes Away at 67 After Battling Cancer

Reo Rorem will be remembered for his historic Popcorn Panic Run and securing first place in the 8 km Stroh’s Race back in 1984.

August 7, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on August 7, 2026

Track and road racer, Reo Rorem, took his last breath on August 7, 2026, at the age of 67, after a long battle with cancer.

His legacy extends beyond his racing prowess; he was cherished as a compassionate companion and a steadfast competitor.

Reo Rorem's name shines brightly for his remarkable achievement in the Popcorn Panic, where rumors persist that he maintained the previous race record. He also emerged victorious in the division championships of the 1984 Festival of the , drawing massive crowds.

Steve Stanek shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, expressing profound sorrow over Reo's passing at 67, after a valiant fight against cancer. He praised Reo's enduring record in the Popcorn Panic and offered condolences to those who knew him.

Born in 1957, Reo excelled in college cross country, notably at the 1978 Mid-Continent Conference Championships, leading Eastern Illinois University (EIU) to dominance. On a 5-mile course, he secured third place, contributing to EIU's impressive 17 points total.

That year, the team clinched the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional title and achieved a commendable fifth national ranking.

Reo's passion for racing endured well beyond his collegiate years, spanning decades and showcasing his commitment through qualifying by time. His accolades include five wins and $200 in prize money. Competing across numerous states, Reo became a prominent figure in Midwest running circles.

Reo Rorem Accomplished Numerous Victories Including the 10 km Governor’s Cup Throughout His Athletic Career

His personal records feature a 5 km run completed in 15 minutes and 58 seconds during 2000 in Gainesville, Florida. The 10 km best clocked at 29 minutes and 23 seconds was set in Rosemont, Illinois, in 1982. Additional highlights include a 15 km time of 49 minutes and 7 seconds in Peoria (1977) and a 20 km performance of 1 hour, 9 minutes, 40 seconds in Charleston (1978).

Reo's career featured several significant victories, such as first place in the 8 km Stroh’s race in Indianapolis (1984), plus a win in the 5-mile Pleasant Run in the same city. Other notable achievements include the 5-mile Double Eagle (1983), second place in the 4-mile Steamboat Classic (1979), and third in the 15 km Steamboat Classic (1977).

Additional first-place finishes in 1982 included the 10 km Sage City race (Monticello) and the Governor’s Cup in Kankakee, alongside a second-place finish in the 20 km Panther Pant (Charleston).

Reo also participated in prestigious events like the Dannon Oglesby 10k and Wendy’s 10k in Bowling Green, further demonstrating his versatility and endurance across varied competitions.

Details regarding Reo Rorem’s memorial arrangements remain private at this time. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult period.

Rest In Peace, Reo Rorem!

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