2nd Place Male 70-74 2025 Polar Bear Grand Prix
How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?
At age 70 I have enjoyed running periodically throughout my life. Whether just to maintain my health or to spend time with my 4 children as they grew up. I did not begin to run competitively until last year. I had a heart valve replaced in December of 2024 and decided to run competitively after that not only to keep my heart healthy but to use the results as a tool to monitor my health in comparison to others in my same age group.
Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?
The Polar Bear Grand Prix is just another motivational tool to help me get outdoors and enjoy God’s creation in the wintertime rather than staying indoors where I might be warm but doing very little. I must admit that I do enjoy the “bling” that comes along with finishing these races.
Favorite distance?
The 5k is my favorite distance at this stage in life even though I am considering pushing myself some more in 2026.
Favorite place to run?
There is a 5 mile trail in Bernheim Forest which I think is my favorite location. It is often hindered from running because of the weather but is a great conditioning run whenever possible.
Favorite or most unique race you have run?
Six months after my heart surgery I ran the “Dances with Dirt” run in Brown County Park in Indiana. This was my first competitive run and I was thrilled with tears of thanksgiving when I came in first for my age group. This win helped to spur me on to many more races with the Run River City group back at home.
Favorite thing about running?
I think my favorite thing about running is enjoying the outdoors and considering how blessed I truly have been and am to be able to participate in these activities.
Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?
Keep pushing, do your best. One Biblical writer once put it this way, “Run in such a way that you might obtain the prize.” I think this is helpful in both our physical and spiritual lives.
Why do you like running River City Races events?
River City Races events are always family oriented events and can be as fun (or serious) as you want to make them. Often they also service as fundraisers for good community causes.