Man Completes 30th runDisney at Age 80
As fans, we all know that Disney stories are often inspirational. Well, here is a real-life inspirational story as a man completes his 30th runDisney marathon at 80 years old!
Two Milestones, One Year
In addition, this is the 30th anniversary of the runDisney marathon, itself, at Walt Disney World. Therefore, this man has crossed the finish line since the first marathon.
Rudy Smith is from Greta, Louisiana, and says, “I just enjoy in the morning before the sun comes up. It’s a nice feeling. Back in the late 70s, I just happened to do a 5k race. I just gradually worked my way up. I started with 5ks, then went to 10ks, then eventually did a half-marathon. And then in 1988, I did my first marathon in New York City.”
Once Smith heard about the first race at Walt Disney World, he ran with his wife. Rudy Smith recalls, “It was just so beautiful. So my wife and I ran it that year. And we came back the second year and the thing began to snowball.” Smith does not think another marathon matches runDisney, because you get to run through all four parks.
Run Around the World
In fact, he has run all throughout the world. He said, “I got this feeling: why don’t I do one on every continent? I did London. I did Paris. Beijing…did the Great Wall Marathon there.” Can you imagine that as you participate in the runDisney marathon in EPCOT, you’ve actually raced in those real countries? Amazing!
Not only that, but among his 70 marathons total, he ran up the Empire State Building twice. In addition, he completed the Berlin Marathon, raced in all six major world marathons, and obtained the Major World Marathon Medal.
Returning to the Magic
However, runDisney keeps his attendance every year, along with 58 other runners. Therefore, these 59 racers are titled “perfects” since they’ve completed every marathon since the beginning.
When speaking of the runDisney marathons, Rudy Smith says, “It’s awesome. Something you take a lot of pride in.”
But, how is Smith still running at 80 years old? He says, “I wish I knew! I think part of it has to do with just running, you know? Consistency is the most important aspect of it.”
Stay Focused, Like Rudy
So, just like any other goal in life, just stick with it. The moment you quit is the moment you fail. Congratulations to Rudy Smith, the man who completes his 30th runDisney marathon at age 80!
Article Information and Featured Image: https://6abc.com/
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