26 • The Beacon June 30 , 2022

By Jen Jones

While he ran in high school and a little in college , John Grandmason wasn ’ t a runner for much of his adult life . But in 2013 his church did a Run 4 God event , and a few friends told him he should try running . He hasn ’ t stopped since .

Grandmason is 76 years old , and on May 12 he finished first in the 5k event in his age group at the National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale , Florida .

There were 32 men running in his age group ( age 75-79 ). He placed 63rd out of 171 men who competed in all age groups . A competitor must be at least 50 years old to compete in the National Senior Games . This was the second time

• 12 ” Oscillating Brushless OC Fan

• Remote Control

• Available in Makita , Milwaukee , DeWalt & Electric he competed in the games . Someone he knew suggested he try it .

“ The games were supposed to be in September , but COVID was still going on , so they got moved until May . I tried Albuquerque to see how I would do , but the altitude got to me . I finished sixth and thought I could do better ,” Grandmason said .

• 16 ” Oscillating Pedestal Fan

• 6 Speed Settings

• 6 Hour Timer

• Adjustable Height

• Remote Control

He and his daughter drove to Fort Lauderdale so he could compete . “ The course was just a long , straight stretch with one little bend in it — right along the beach ,” Grandmason said .

Grandmason said he runs several days a week on country roads around his home . “ I try to do 6-7 miles each time . I concentrate on my running , and it takes

ees today will reward you in the future . Have a good and safe day .

David Marrison is a

Submitted

John Grandmason , 76 , finished first in the 5k event in his age group at the National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale , Florida . my mind off of everything else . I try to do at least 20 miles a week ,” he said .

Grandmason said he enjoys races and does several local ones .

“ I really wanted to do the senior games so I could compete against other guys my age and see how I would do . I finished the race in 23 minutes , 22 seconds , which is about 7:32 per mile . For a minute after I won , I thought , ‘ This is it ; I ’ ve hit the pinnacle ,’ but then I thought I can ’ t quit ,” Grandmason said . “ When I went to look at race results , I saw you can search the top-10 runners and their times for each event since the games began and discovered I was number 10 . I may only be on the list for a year , but I ’ m pretty happy to be on it .

“ I would like to thank Dr . Chad Guess , my chiropractor and nutritionist , for helping me keep in good running shape . I have no intentions of slowing down . Age is an attitude .”

Grandmason said the next National Senior Games will be in July 2023 in Pittsburgh , and he plans to compete there .

professor and extension educator of agriculture and natural resources at Ohio State University Extension . He can be reached at 740-622-2265 or marrison . 2 @ osu . edu .

Open for Dinner Thursday , Friday & Saturday . Doors Open at 4:00 PM