Peter Bennett Ireland

In Loving Memory of Peter Bennett Ireland (1940–2025)

It is with deep sadness that I share the unexpected passing of my father, Peter “Pete” Bennett Ireland, who died on Monday, June 16, 2025, following a sudden cardiac event. He was 84 years old.

Pete was born on July 11, 1940, in Phoenix, Arizona, the only child of Paul Monroe Ireland and Mary Margaret McGrady Ireland. The family lived in Phoenix for just a year before relocating to Los Angeles, California, where he spent his childhood exploring the hills and valleys around his home, camping, and playing baseball with his neighborhood friends. He graduated from Hollywood High School in 1958 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from UCLA in 1962.

Following his graduation, Pete joined the U.S. Army and trained as a special agent in military intelligence. He served with the 111th Intelligence Corps Group in Atlanta, Georgia. After completing his military service, he began a long and respected career with the Department of Veterans Affairs. He worked first at the VA Medical Center in Atlanta, and later transferred to the VA in North Little Rock, Arkansas, where he served until his retirement in March 2002 as the Assistant Chief of Human Resources.

While living in Atlanta, Pete met and married Paula J. Ireland. The two relocated to Benton, AR in 1971 and went on to have their only child, Heather, in 1978. Although Pete and Paula later divorced, they went on to cultivate a supportive and caring friendship over the last two decades.

In his late 30s, Pete found a deep passion for running—an interest that took root in 1979 and grew into a lifelong commitment to fitness, community, and volunteerism. As a dedicated member of the Saline County Striders beginning in 1993, he served in many roles over the years, including secretary, treasurer, race director, and longtime editor of the club newsletter. He directed more than 40 races and, in 2011, created the Sunset 6/12/24 Hour Endurance Challenge, which continues to this day.

His contributions to the Arkansas running community were widely recognized. He was inducted into both the Arkansas Road Runners Hall of Fame and the Saline County Striders Hall of Fame, and in 2019 received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Road Runners Club of America.

An accomplished ultrarunner, Pete completed more than 70 ultramarathons, including eleven 100-mile races, eight 50-mile races, and countless other marathons and adventure races. His grit, humility, and mentorship made him a beloved figure in the local and national running scenes.

Beyond running, Pete deeply valued exploring the great outdoors—he made many beautiful memories while hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing with friends and family. Nature was both a source of solace and adventure and he found joy in sharing those moments with others.

Pete is survived by his daughter, Heather Ireland Hinz, and her husband, Bill Hinz; his beloved grandchildren, Coen (13) and Eisley (9), all of Eugene, Oregon; his longtime friend Paula Ireland of Benton, Arkansas; and a wide and loving community of friends in the running world and beyond.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11th from 2:00-4:00 at the pavilion at Sunset Lake in Benton, AR. You are warmly invited to bring a lawn chair and your favorite memories of Pete, and join us for ice cream, connection, and a heartfelt celebration of this quiet, inspiring, and truly good human.