THE AGING RUNNER

In both subtle and not so subtle ways the running community is undergoing constant change.  For example, there has been a tremendous influx of female participants. What was a few years ago an almost totally male dominated sport is much more balanced today.  This is especially true in longer distances, including the marathon and beyond. It is also true that the ratio of women runners is increasing at all levels.

To a lesser extent, there is a growing number of minorities who are seen at races.  The ratio here is still low; but it is definitely on the increase. These are good signs and we should continue to do positive things to encourage them.

No less startling has been the participation of the older people. It seems that every year the competition becomes stronger in the age groups over fifty. This has been such a subtle thing in many ways that some have hardly notice; but old race brochures tell an impressive story.

Do you realize that not so many years ago a Master runner (age 40 & up) was considered an old runner? Since then there has been a constant increase in age divisions ... to 50 & up ... to 60 & up ... until now most every race has a 70 & up division. All because more older people are running than ever before. In fact, it should be apparent that even our present system is not as adequate as it should be.

FIRST, CONSIDER THE INJUSTICES. We have some older runners that do not get the credit they deserve. There is a real need for a 75 - 79 and 80 & up division on a consistent basis. Some of these people are still running; and they deserve recognition. It is simply not fair to make them compete with those who are much younger. They honor us with their presence. We should do more for them. We should also encourage their participation when we do not provide for them properly.

The same thing is true when we spread their age groups. It is distressing to see how many events use ten year groups above 50. Yet this is the very time when each year shows a larger decline, when even two years can place one at a real disadvantage. According to the U.S. Masters Standard of Excellence approved by USAT&F a man or woman who may lose about 30 seconds per year off their 5K time during their 60's, can only expect to increase that loss per year during their 70's. Yet in far too many races today we would expect an 80 year old to compete with a 70 year old. This is so grossly unfair as to defy debate. If we want these people with us (and surely we do), then we must provide for them ...consistently... rather than only part of the time.

SECOND, WHAT CAN WE REALLY DO TO ENCOURAGE OLDER RUNNERS?
1. Begin immediately to have age groups through 80 & up in every race.
2. Have every age group to cover no more than a five year span.
3. List age groupings clearly in advertisements. (One recent event assured people that all ages were covered in the
    awards; but the oldest award actually given was 50 & up!)
4. The consistent recognition of Senior runners with the same emphasis we now offer to masters.
5. Maybe a special recognition of the oldest runners present.
6. After we have gone through one gender of awards, we could reverse the second group.  So that the oldest
    runners are not left until the very last in receiving their awards to hold the crowd. (Even getting an award doesn't
    mean much if you're the only one there!).
8. Maybe most important, we could become a personal ambassador of good will to let our older runners know that
    we appreciate what they have contributed to our sport. (They are the very ones who have worked and struggled
    for the good things we now have in racing.). We could at least show appreciation for their efforts.

Considering older runners is a little like thinking about Social Security when you are young. If we live, we are going to be there one day. How will running be for us then? Much of that will depend on what we make of it for those who are older now. Why not spend A moment thinking of what you could do personally to make it better. It is assuring your own future!