Day in the Park 5K

Let's Make Day in the Park Even Better!

My dad and I have made the Day in the Park 5K a father-daughter tradition since I was very young so the first weekend in May means a lot to both of us! Firstly,I would like to say "thanks" to those of you who volunteered. Your enthusiasm is motivating and much appreciated by those of us who are in the race. I feel as though this is a great event for Laurel but it could be even better- If the age brackets were revised.They should go beyond 70+. It makes sense, right? People are living longer! Also, the number of people participating in this event is increasing which means the number of older adults is likely increasing too! My dad, for instance, will be 87 tomorrow (May 5th), and he participated in the 5K race today. I know 2 others who participated today who are also over 80 years old. I feel as though finishing this race is an amazing accomplishment in general and certainly for someone over 65. These individuals are members of our community and some of them have lived in Laurel their entire lives. They should be celebrated & encouraged to continue participating by having more of a chance to be recognized at the end of the race for this accomplishment. Currently, the way it is set up the younger age groups actually get more of a chance to be recognized because they are only competing against people within 5 years of their age. For the older participants, the number of people they compete against is much higher due to the large age bracket of "70+" This means an 85-year-old is competing against a 71-year-old. Fourteen years is a huge age difference not only in the number of years but also possibly in physical ability! I love the Day in the Park, and I plan to continue to participate for as long as I can because of the family tradition by dad started. He has competed in over 45 "days in the park" and that is why I want to fight to make this event more inclusive for older runners & walkers! I am asking that others join me in support of the elders of our community & speak up and out in their defense! I am asking that the age brackets be changed to:70-75 years,75- 80 years,and 80+. Lastly, thanks to those of you who encouraged us on our route - your "hellos," "good mornings" and "your doing greats" really helped to keep us going. I hope to meet some of you amazing folks who cheered us on from your doorsteps as I plan to start a petition and walk door-to-door for my cause- "The Day in the Park-80 Plus Cause" This is a tribute to you, Pop, Ed Walker!