Each of you has likely seen the man who hikes Midtown.
He is often spotted climbing enough stairs to get him to the top of the Empire State Building with his sweet son Austin strapped to his back.
No, he is not trying to break a record for distance traveled with a toddler attached to one’s back, but he is training for a marathon.
One per month, actually.
Keith Clemens is running 26.2 miles a month for one year. Although Keith has been a Midtown member since 2000, his fitness passion started about 30 years ago.
When Keith was in his early 20s and graduating college, he promised himself that he would never become a “middle-aged fat guy.” So, 30 or so years later, he turned the big 5-0 and to celebrate the gift of life, he decided to train for and run one marathon per month.”
Most people who turn 50 celebrate the fact that they hit a significant milestone. Keith took it a step further.
Not only has he learned a great deal about himself, but he has also met some amazing people along the way, including cancer survivors, body warriors, charity runners, and formerly overweight folks), each of whom now have a special place in his heart.
One group, in particular, stuck out: The Marathon Maniacs. The minimum criterion for membership is two marathons within 16 days of one another, or 11 marathons within 12 months. That means Keith will be eligible by December.
The first marathon Keith ran was at Calloway Gardens, and it turned out to be his most enjoyable marathon. His trek has taken him all over the US, including Florida, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Utah, and it will continue over the next six months.
Keith is running for the love of the sport, but he’s also running for charity. He is asking for donations of either $26 (*wink wink*) or $52, and every penny will go to our club’s Junior Squash Program. Hop aboard this crazy train and follow Keith as he runs 312 miles.
For more information on this amazing Midtowner, or to contribute to his quest, check out his website.
Have you ever run a marathon?
