Endurance Athlete, Motivational Speaker, and Community Mentor

Robert Key is a nationally recognized endurance athlete and inspirational speaker whose journey through the world of long-distance racing has empowered thousands of runners and triathletes across the United States. With an athletic resume that spans over three decades, Robert is a 14-time Ironman finisher, including the prestigious 2018 Ironman World Championship—an event that demands a grueling 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile marathon run.

A seasoned marathoner, Robert has completed more than 40 marathons, including 17 Houston Marathons, and is a three-time qualifier and finisher of the iconic Boston Marathon. His ultra-endurance feats include eight 100-mile ultra marathons, with a personal best of 120.2 miles—a testament to his relentless drive and mental fortitude.

Robert’s athletic excellence has earned him global recognition. In 2011, he was one of only 15 athletes worldwide honored with the “Ironman Performances of the Year.” He also achieved “Ironman All World Athlete” status in 2015, 2017, and 2018. In 2016, he conquered the 106 West Triathlon, the highest-altitude triathlon in the world, reaching 10,291 feet—an event where 40% of participants did not finish.

Beyond the finish line, Robert is a passionate advocate for endurance sports and community engagement. Since 1990, he has delivered keynote speeches to thousands of athletes nationwide, focusing on race strategy, mental resilience, and goal setting. He was the only age-group athlete invited to address over 3,000 attendees at the 2012 Ironman Texas Athletes Dinner and served as keynote speaker at the Houston Marathon Run for a Reason luncheon from 2013 to 2018. From 2013 to 2020, he was a featured speaker at the Houston Marathon Expo, sharing insights on “Strategies for a Successful Race.”

Robert’s commitment to uplifting others extends to the back of the pack; 2025 marks his 8th year as the official last start/finisher of the Chevron Houston Marathon, where he supports and motivates runners striving to cross the finish line before cutoff. He also mentored over 400 youth participants in the Houston Kids Triathlon between 2012 and 2017, instilling confidence and discipline in the next generation of athletes.

Whether on the course or behind the podium, Robert Key exemplifies endurance, leadership, and the power of perseverance.

Robert Key - Athletic related accomplishments and speeches include:

● 14x Ironman, including the 2018 Ironman World Championship, consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run.

● Completed 40+ marathons, including 17 Houston Marathons, and is a 3 time qualifier and finisher of the Boston Marathon

● 8x 100 mile ultra-marathon finisher with a personal distance best of 120.2 miles.

● In 2011, one of only 15 athletes in the world named to the “2011 Ironman Performances of the Year” and earned “Ironman All World Athlete” status in 2015, 2017 and 2018.

● In 2012, he was the only age group athlete asked to speak to more than 3,000 athletes and their families at the Ironman Texas Athletes Dinner

● In 2016, completed the 106 West Triathlon, the highest altitude triathlon in the world reaching a peak elevation of 10,291 feet of which 40% of the field did not finish the race.

● From 2013-2018, he was the keynote speaker at the Houston Marathon Run for a Reason luncheon honoring local charities, and has been a guest speaker at the Houston Marathon Expo from 2013-2020 on the topic of “Strategies for a Successful Race”.

● Since 1990, has been a keynote speaker to thousands of runners and triathletes all over the United States on topics related to race strategies and goal setting.

● 2025 will mark his 8th year as an official last start/finisher of the Chevron Houston Marathon helping countless runners at the back of the pack make the cutoffs to the finish line.

● As a volunteer, coached and mentored more than 400 youth ages 6-15 to compete in the Houston Kids Triathlon between 2012-2017.