TUCSON, Ariz. (Kegun) – Tucsonans over 50 laced up their running shoes and competed in a 5k and 10k race at downtown Reid Park on Saturday, January 4th.
The race was part of a handful of events that started on the first day. Tucson’s 40th Annual Senior Olympics Festival.
The festival runs until February 2 with more than 30 events across the city.
“Not only do we have sporting events, but we also have recreational events like Texas Hold’em and a few different card games, so there’s something for everyone,” said Tucson Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Julissa Galindo.
Events:
- Archery
- Badminton
- 3×3 basketball
- Basketball shooting
- Billiards
- Box
- Bowling
- bridge
- Bunco
- Volleyball chair
- Cribbage
- Darts
- Disc golf
- Euchre
- Golf
- Handball
- Horse shoes
- Recreational walks
- Pick Ball
- Power lifting
- Racquetball
- Road races
- Shooting incidents
- Shuffleboard
- Slowpitch Softball
- swimming
- Table tennis
- Tennis
- Hold Texas
- Track and field
- Volleyball
Participating in road races has become a tradition for friends Don Brannaman, Sue Smith and Beverly Mulvey.
“We’re really thankful for the senior Olympic road races, because nobody pays attention to the old guys,” Smith said with a laugh.
For these athletes in their 80s, life is just a number.
“We do two or three races a month, year-round and run almost every day,” Brannaman said.
While this group of friends likes the competitive nature of the events and always wants to leave with a medal, Galindo said not all events are competitive.
“They can do it for their own fun, they can have some fun and it really gives them something else to do,” Galindo said.
Some events are still open for registration. For more information, email SeniorOlympics@tucsonaz.gov or call (520) 791-4931.