Gene Venzke had a long career, placing in the top five at the national outdoor championships ten times between 1930 and 1940.

[5] On February 6 he broke the indoor mile world record of Paavo Nurmi and Joie Ray with a clocking of 4:11.2 at the Millrose Games in New York.

[3] Venzke regained his national indoor title in 1936, scoring a close win over Cunningham in a world record time of 3:49.9.

[15] At the outdoor championships he was again beaten to third behind Cunningham and Emporia State's Archie San Romani; however, he defeated Bonthron, who was fourth.

[9] Originally from a poor family, Venzke made money as an investor[9] and opened a golf range in Reiffton, Pennsylvania after finally retiring from running.