Menlo woman wins '50-plus' race Menlo woman wins '50-plus' race (March 24, 2004)

Isobel Fox, 50, of Menlo Park finished first among all women contenders March 14 in the 21st annual 8K race for people age 50 and over, sponsored by the Fifty-Plus Lifelong Fitness organization.

The race was part of the organization's Fifty-Plus Fitness Weekend, held each March at Stanford University.

Fox's time was 37 minutes and 12 seconds -- a full two minutes ahead of the next runner. Hanna's time was 47 minutes and 45 seconds.

Joyce Hanna, 69, of Atherton came in second among women in the age group 65-69.

Fox, who started competing in her mid-20s, took time off to have three children before returning to running. This was her first victory.

"I just wanted to keep pace and finish strong," she said. "It's nice to be winning, especially at age 50."

Michael Dove, 57, of Salinas finished first among men with a time of 29 minutes and 46 seconds.

The race -- known as the Paul Spangler Memorial 8K -- was selected by Runners World magazine as the best race in the nation for masters runners.

Fifty-Plus Lifelong Fitness is based in Palo Alto.

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