Sudbury marathon runner proves age is just a number

Sudbury Rocks Race raises thousands for cancer Sudbury Rocks Race saw its highest level of participation in recent years with thousands raised in support of cancer programs and research.

The Sudbury Rocks Race saw its highest level of participation in recent years on Sunday – raising thousands of dollars for cancer research and support of northern patients.

One participant, 83-year-old Tay Wilson, finished the five-kilometre marathon in less than 35 minutes to finish first of two in his age division.

CTV News caught up with the retired Laurentian University professor on Monday following his run.

Wilson ran the five kilometres in just 34 minutes and 57 seconds finishing in the 250th position out of more than 700 racers.

"I knew I’d run hard and done as well as I could because I couldn’t do much in the finishing stretch,” he said.

“I kept trying to talk myself into the sprint, but it was only the last 40 yards and I did the 40 yards where I almost fell on my face because I ticked my toe after going through the barrier.”

Wilson said he has been participating in races of all kinds for more than 70 years and still runs five days a week – even in winter.

"I started racing when I was 13 and it's just something I like to do and you can do it alone,” he said.

“You didn’t have to have money. You just need a pair of running shoes and a pair of shorts and that was it."

While Sudbury Rocks Race has become a staple in his running repertoire, for him, it is not about setting or beating a record.

"You only run for one reason: today, so that you can run tomorrow," he said.

Wilson said on Sunday he knew he had done well.

“A sign you did a good race (is) you don’t have to check your time," he said.

The senior with long, flowing white hair said he will be maintaining his running schedule until it gets too hot and will then scale back a bit until it cools down again.

Sudbury ran for a good cause

The Sudbury Rocks event features a marathon walk, marathon, marathon relay, a half-marathon run/walk, one-kilometre kids’ race, a 10-kilometre run/walk and a five-kilometre run/walk.

More than 1,600 people registered to participate, several hundred more than last year, May 26.

“This was one of our highest years ever in participation and the energy was just electric on Minto Street (with) so many people having personal best finishes, just out there with their friends, family and community and enjoying the activity of running,” said organizer Shelley Walushka.

Organizers said they estimate that the event raised more than $100,000 for the Northern Cancer Foundation.

Sudbury Rocks said preparations will soon start for next year’s event and Wilson said he plans to be there to keep his long-standing running tradition going.