Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Amy Newmark

Josh Cox, born August 9, 1975, is an American athlete celebrated for his achievements in long-distance running, particularly in the 50k distance. He formerly held the American record for the 50k, breaking it on two occasions with significant margins. Cox qualified for the US Olympic Marathon Trials four times and was a member of the U.S. National Team multiple times, even being the top American finisher at the World Track & Field Championships. His running career began early, setting a course record at 22 and running his first marathon at 23, which qualified him for the Olympic Trials. Beyond his elite running, Cox has demonstrated a diverse range of talents, including appearances on television and contributions to media commentary. He has also engaged in public speaking and writing, notably as a contributing author to the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. Cox grew up in California, participated in high school athletics, and attended Liberty University before returning to California, where he now coaches the Mammoth Track Club.

Josh Cox established himself as a prominent figure in American long-distance running, achieving national recognition for his performances. He is particularly noted for his mastery of the 50k distance, where he set and broke the American record. His athletic achievements include qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials on four separate occasions and earning a spot on the U.S. National Team multiple times. Cox also demonstrated his competitive edge by being the leading American marathoner at the World Track & Field Championships. His dedication to training, often involving a regimen of 140 miles per week, underpinned his consistent success in major marathons and ultra-distance events.

Cox's career is marked by several significant records and victories. He broke the American 50k record by a substantial four minutes in January 2009, an accomplishment that earned him USA Track & Field Athlete of the Week honors. He surpassed this achievement in January 2011, breaking his own 50k record by three and a half minutes, running the second-fastest time in history and narrowly missing the world record. In both 2009 and 2011, his 50k times were the fastest globally. Early in his career, he set a course record at the 1997 Mountain Masochist 50-mile trail run at age 22. His marathon debut at 23 made him the youngest qualifier for the 2000 Olympic Marathon Trials. He achieved a personal best in his fourth Olympic Marathon Trials in 2012, finishing 14th with a time of 2:13:50.

Beyond his athletic pursuits, Josh Cox has cultivated a public presence in media and writing. He gained visibility by participating in ABC's "The Bachelorette" and has provided commentary for NBC Universal Sports. His contributions extend to the literary world as a contributing author to the popular "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series, sharing his experiences and insights. Cox's background includes competing in soccer, cross-country, and track at Christian High School San Diego before graduating in 1993, and he later earned a degree from Liberty University in 1998. He currently resides in Mammoth Lakes, California, where he coaches the local track club, continuing his involvement in the sport.