Jim Knaub, an accomplished athlete who became a wheelchair racing legend, had his life celebrated this week.

The Long Beach Century Club hosted a celebration of life for Knaub, who died last year, at the Sports Basement on Monday evening with his family and former Olympians honoring the man who set multiple records in wheelchair racing and had an enduring legacy as an activist and speaker for people facing challenges.

Knaub died on Nov. 18. He was 68.

Knaub started his athletic journey as a pole vaulter at Long Beach State, but after a motorcycle accident left him unable to walk, his life shifted — and he became the one of the world’s best wheelchair competitors.

He won the 1982 Boston Marathon and went on to win four more times. He won the Los Angeles Marathon three times, and the Long Beach Marathon 11 times.

Knaub’s brother, Fred; retired Olympic pole vaulting champion Robert Seagren; and Ron Allice, USC’s director of track and field, were among those who spoke during the celebration. Attendees also wrote messages on and signed a banner in honor of Knaub.