Fifty-Plus Fitness event set for March 10-12 Fifty-Plus Fitness event set for March 10-12 (February 08, 2006)

By Jane Knoerle

Almanac Lifestyles Editor

One thousand fitness buffs who take their motto "Use it or lose it!" seriously are expected to take part in the 23rd annual Fifty-Plus Fitness Weekend, to be held March 10-12 at Stanford University and several nearby venues.

Olympic figure skating gold medalist Peggy Fleming and former football star Ronnie Lott will be special weekend guests. Dr. Walter Bortz of Portola Valley will deliver the keynote speech at a Friday night reception.

For the first time, the weekend will include the Bay Area Senior Games, offering softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and track and field. The weekend's traditional activities -- the 8-kilometer road run, 5-kilometer fitness walk, and competitive race walk -- will also take place.

Considered the weekend's signature event, the Paul Spangler Memorial 8-kilometer run will host the Pacific Association/USA Track & Field 8K championship run. The race draws the top senior runners in the country, according to Anne Cribbs, managing director of Fifty-Plus Lifelong Fitness.

Harold "Hutch" Thurston, 87, of Los Altos is one of the senior athletes who will take part in the 8K run. Mr. Thurston makes a 3-mile run four days a week, despite having a pacemaker.

Elizabeth Baker, 80, of Morro Bay, will also run in the 8K race and hopes to successfully defend her title as the oldest female finisher. She has competed in track and field events all over the world, including the 100th running of the Boston Marathon.

The event will also include a health conference, health fair and an awards dinner.

To register, contact the Fifty-Plus Hot Line, 843-1752, and request an entry flier. Online race registration is available at www.active.com. For more information, log on at www.50plus.org.

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