Concordia Life Plan Residents Participate In Senior Marathon

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is finally here. And while we here at News 9 and runners around the country have been preparing, participants in the senior marathon started weeks, even months ahead of the race.

“I never thought I would do a marathon, did you? No, never in my wildest dreams,” said Jan Rey, a resident at Concordia Life Plan Community.

Residents at Concordia Life Plan Community in Northwest Oklahoma City have been gearing up for this year’s senior marathon since the beginning of the month. “I was raised by my grandmother, and she always told me, if you sat down you die,” said Linda Jo, resident at Concordia Life Plan Community. 

The residents were already on a regular walking routine. “I have an obsession; I try to do ten thousand a day, steps,” said Concordia Life Plan Community resident Mel Roberts.

They walk outside and inside, day by day, step by step, to accomplish twenty-five miles. With the final one point to miles to be completed on race day. “Saying that we did the marathon. Well, we’ll leave the senior part off though, right,” said Roberts.

Concordia participants are on different levels.

“I’ve done 5K’s, four or five 5K’s, said Dr. John Bumpus, resident at Concordia Life Plan Community.

“I’m really not an athletic person, but the way that they have structured it, they have made it possible for a non-athlete to participate,” said Linda Jo. 

To assure safety and prevent injuries residents prepare with the facility trainer. “It’s good for your muscles, it’s good for your bones, it's good for your breathing,” said Roberts. 

For the residents, it will be a sense of accomplishment when they cross the finish line. “I’ve never gotten a medal for anything, not anything athletic,” said Rey. 

Then there is the deeper meaning. “I knew people that worked in the Murrah building, I lost friends. It’s very personal to me,” said Lind Jo.

The Senior marathon starts at 8 a.m., on Saturday. Come and cheer them on, they would love your support. The course begins at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and winds through downtown, ending at Scissortail Park.