by Alyssa Vera |
Back in 2001, Jules Winkler of Medford became known as the oldest man to run a marathon on all seven continents; he was 69.
Sixteen years later, he’s still running. And still breaking records.
At 83, he was the oldest of 30,000 participants in the Boston Marathon.
Now three months shy of 86, Winkler will be making history once more as the oldest runner participating in this Sunday’s Catholic Health Services Suffolk County Half Marathon.
Winkler is running the 13.1-mile race, but there’s also a 5K and a full marathon on Sunday. The marathon itself will begin and end in Patchogue Village. Proceeds from the day’s events go toward county veterans.
(Additional race details and map below.)
Winkler will be running in honor of fallen Korean war vets.
“I myself am a Korean war veteran,” Winkler told GreaterPatchogue.
He started running in 1972, during the running boom era, and since then Winkler says he’s always listened to his body. For five decades, this approach has helped him avoid major injuries. He counts this as a huge accomplishment.
“I have aches, pains, muscle pulls, and things like that but I’ve never suffered injuries that stopped me from running,” he said. “I never push through to the point where I’m injured and can’t run anymore.”
So what’s his big tip for anyone looking to complete this Sunday’s races, whether it’s the marathon or half marathon?
Pace yourself.
“If you start out too fast, you’re always going to have a problem,” he said.
The grandfather of 10 will be starting off slow and picking up speed toward the end.
“If I’ve got any fuel left within the last couple of miles, I’ll push on. If not, I’ll just stay at the same pace,” he said.
For the past four months, Winkler has been powering through 25 to 30 miles a week to prep for the race.
Running involves much more training time than other sports, he said.
“While I’m training I’m mentally preparing myself for the long distance that’s to come,” he said. “During the last week of training I eat a lot of carbohydrates and stay hydrated,” Winkler said, again, referring to the importance of listening to his body.
Winkler, also a former five-borough New York City Marathon runner (1976), has 40 full marathons under his belt. He also helps the local running community along as a certified coach through the New York Running Club.
“I feel I give a lot of older runners and people that I coach inspiration,” Winkler said.
And he doesn’t mind drawing attention to himself, not to show off but to motivate anyone who’s ever been a spectator.
Winkler hopes that running these races will inspire others to “wake up” and think about running for themselves and keeping in shape.
In more ways than one.
“Running makes me feel so good physically and mentally,” Winkler said. “No one can understand what I’m talking about until they do it. The bottom line is, I’ll be 86 soon, I’m a healthy guy and I feel terrific.
“Those are the things that make me get up and run.”
Photo: Jules Winkler on Wednesday on Main Street in Patchogue. (Credit: Alyssa Vera)
MARATHON INFO:
Multiple road closures will be in effect for the Suffolk County Marathon between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. The races run rain or shine. Below is a list of the closures and designated crossing points. There is no parking on Montauk Highway from Patchogue to Great River beginning at 4 a.m.
