Quote: "With each passing year I become increasingly grateful for good health and the chance to live in a vibrant city like Atlanta."
Occupation: Medical device sales rep
Age: 60
Residence: Smyrna
Number of Peachtrees: I have run in 19 of the past 20. I made the difficult choice to pass on the 1995 Peachtree to attend a college reunion and connect with old friends.
Why do you run? For me, it is a pure "celebration of life itself." Running alone is always a "spirit lifting" event. However, running while surrounded by 50,000 of my fellow human beings seeking the same joy can lift one's spirits to an even greater height. It's the same as listening to a Bruce Springsteen song at home or while surrounded by thousands of fellow fans at a Springsteen concert. I might enjoy the music coming through my speakers at home, but I am jacked up to even higher levels when I am in the midst of a huge crowd screaming "Tramps like us, baby we were born to run." Long may we run.
Why did you start running? I started when I moved to Atlanta from Madison, Wis., in 1983. I was dating a girl named Beth who ran religiously every day and accepted her challenge to join her. She introduced me to the beautiful Cochran Shoals trail along the Chattahoochee River, and I was hooked. We only went out for a few months and I haven't seen her in 27 years, but I'm still grateful to her for that little push she provided.
When was your first Peachtree? It was 20 years ago, so I don't remember the weather conditions or much detail. However I do remember the cold beer tasted better than any I had enjoyed previously.
What is your favorite story? It can be a great chance to celebrate your community, your good health and the love of country connected with the Fourth of July.
What is your favorite tradition? I put the top down on the old convertible and make sure I have two songs loaded in the CD player as I drive to the race: "Running on Empty" by Jackson Browne and "Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen.
What is your favorite race T-shirt? 1998's was a nice peach color with a mosaic peach.
Do you run alone or in a pack? Alone.
What do you like about the race? I am inspired by runners who have some sort of physical challenge or are older and continue to run.
Would you make any changes? I wish there was a way to leave the race spots for those who at least try to do more than walk from the start of the race.
Any other races? The only other race I have participated in was the "Run To The Sun" 10K in Vancouver, British Columbia. I heard it was the second-largest 10K in North America [with] 35,000 participants. It is a beautiful city with some nice stretches along the water.
Do you carry anything with you for luck? The only thing I carry with me is a smile and a feeling of gratitude that I have been able to participate in this great event all these past years.
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