IN CONSIDERATION OF OLDER RUNNERS
By Jack Gray

The graying of the running community is a self-evident fact, never have we seen so many older people competing in sports events. This is partly due to our health conscious society. It also reflects our increasing longevity. No doubt many wish they had adopted a healthy lifestyle much sooner than they did.

This was especially brought to my attention at the National Senior Games in Hampton Roads, VA earlier this year. I stood and watched in awe as new records were set by age 90 to 94 women and age 95 to 99 men. It was amazing just to see the number of participants. Admittedly, some were just shuffling along, perhaps hoping that just being there was going to be enough for an award; but others were as serious about their running as you would find in any other age group. They were there to compete; and they meant to win! Let me ask: Can you imagine competing in such an event when in your 90's? Much less having to travel halfway across the country to do it? Surely they deserve our respect.
The second thing I noticed was the increasing number in all of the older age groups. Plus, the competition was as fierce as I have ever seen it. For example, some of the same times that would have taken Gold in Baton Rouge, LA just two years before would have been relegated to fourth or fifth at Hampton Roads. This is at least some indication of the growing involvement of older runners.

On a smaller scale the same thing can be seen in our local races. We have more older runners, both men and women, than ever before. We have made slow and grudging concessions in recognizing their presence. We are simply behind the curve in showing consideration to them. I speak here especially of those ages 75 and above. I feel that I have been as neglectful as other in this regard; and it is time for it to be corrected.

Some are already making fine strides in the right direction. The Parrot Run and Trinity Trot have an age 75+ category. Both races at Lake Joe Pool and both at the Fort Worth Turkey Trot have gone to 80+. We commend them for this; and urge older runners to attend. We are on a two way street here. They can't be expected to provide age group awards if those in that age group are not going to attend their races on a consistent basis. Neither can they expect runners to show up if provisions are not made for them.

It is a little like babies in church services. There was a time when they were mostly tolerated. Some may even have secretly wished they wouldn't attend. Then someone got smart enough to recognize that babies NEVER come alone. They ALWAYS bring others with them! So those who provided for them also got their parents and friends. Older runners are like that. Sometimes there are two and three generations in the same race. Older runners also wield an inordinate amount of influence. Most of them have a wide circle of friends. People are going to want to go where they go. If we provide for them and treat them well, we have a strong chance of drawing in their relatives and circle of friends.

Conversely, a recent race in our area cut off at 55 and two others at 65. Regardless of the intent, the subtle message to older runners is "We don't want you at our event". Certainly sometimes this is only an oversight made by someone who doesn't understand but it does not change the message and it hurts both the runner and the race.

It is still beautiful to see the exceptions. Some offer lower registration to Senior Citizens. Others are advocating that, after the Overall and Masters winners, we alternate with the oldest and the youngest. Some are holding special drawings after the awards to see that all winners receive better recognition with people still present and the list goes on; and every such effort is worthy of note.

Please understand, older runners are not usually looking for special attention. They don't want to be singled out. They don't want to be treated as invalids or handicapped. They just want to be treated like other runners. They know it is a joy just to compete and to be recognized as one of the group. They are out there. They are going to run somewhere. Their relatives and friends are going to go with them. A little consideration can make all the difference.