What topics would you like to hear more about in our future PaceSetters newsletters?

Last month we asked "What motivates you to go for a run?"

And without further ado, you said:

Free Race Walk Clinic May 18, 2024, 10:00 am

Join instructor Jordan Crawford at Community First Credit Union, 1575 Dresang Way, Neenah, on May 18 at 10 am to learn proper race walking techniques, strength training exercises, shoe and attire recommendations, and more.

All paces and levels are welcome – from the curious to those who compete in any race walk competition

This is an active clinic with live demonstrations, be prepared to walk while learning the proper techniques with proper footwear. Jordan is a 2024 US Olympic Team hopeful, Menasha resident, and winner of the 2023 Fox Cities Competitive Walk Half Marathon.

44th Annual Otto Grunski Runski 5k – Saturday September 28, 2024

Curtis Reed Square, 160 Main Street, Menasha, WI

PaceSetters members get a 10% discount - go to https://pacesetters-run.org/, Sign In, and select Benefits > Discounts to get the Discount Code.

Congratulations to Jasmin Paris

In March 2024, on her third attempt at the Barkley Marathons through the rugged trails of Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee, British runner Jasmin Paris became the first female to complete the full ultramarathon distance. She narrowly beat the 60 hour cutoff, finishing in 59:58:21 with 99 seconds to spare.

Only 40 registrations are accepted each year. In the 35 years since 1989 when the course was extended to approximately 100 miles, only 20 runners have been able to complete it. Look for more information about the brutal Barkley Marathons and all of its oddities in a future PaceSetters newsletter.

Upcoming PaceSetters Fun Runs

Our Fun Runs are held the second Wednesday evening of the month at 6:00 pm unless otherwise noted.

Ageing Racefully

Mike Fremont’s ideas about reconsidering age group awards

A couple months ago this newsletter featured a 100 year old runner named Mike Fremont and the amazing number of running records he has broken late in his life. Mike has also written some interesting articles, especially because they are from the rare perspective of a centenarian.

One of Mike’s articles is entitled “Ageing Racefully.” This considers whether we should re-evaluate the present-day method of 5-year age group awards at races. The fastest times for athletes into their middle 40’s are not much slower than runners in their late 20’s, which is generally considered to be peak racing age. So why do races give out age group awards every 5-years, such as 30-34, 35-49, and 40-44, when according to race data they are all potentially capable of competing with each other? On the other hand, as we age further it becomes much more difficult to maintain a similar race pace the following years. Looking at results for runners past the age of 75, the fastest race times begin to taper off considerably. For an 84 year old to run faster than a 80 year old is a noteworthy accomplishment. For those runners well into their 80’s, substantial slowing in the record times can be seen every year. A similar pattern is seen when comparing fastest times for very young runners; it’s difficult for most 9 year olds to compete with a 13 year old, or a 15 year old with a 18 year old. Mike’s idea is to split up the age groups whenever the fastest time for that age becomes 10% slower than the younger adjacent age fastest times.

Looking specifically at world record full marathon times by single age, here would be the approximate age group award split if the 10% rule were applied. This holds pretty close for both males and females, respectfully.

For most races, this format would of course not be recommended, especially for the smaller sized races around here, because of the scarcity of runners at the older ages. But it is interesting to consider, and a valid point that older runners could make.