Local resident Jim Ruby’s children have always been proud of him, and at the age of 89, he continues to inspire his friends and kids with feats that are usually not an option for those who are about to enter their 10th decade of life.
Jim Ruby
Jim recently not only ran in the Camp Leavenworth 5k, but placed third in the 70-plus age group. He was subsequently given a first-place medal for his adjusted age group (80-89) which hadn’t previously existed, as he was the oldest person ever running in the marathon. Jim finished the race in 52 minutes, 26 seconds.
While he wasn’t on the track team when he was in high school, he loves running and he began competing in races when he was 75.
“Running makes me feel good and I like walking, running and building trails in the Veterans Administration Park,” Jim said.
He worked in construction until he was 62 and then worked for the Parks Department until he was 84.
Staying fit and healthy is important to him, and he runs, walks and exercises each morning.
His son, Bill Ruby, said being active and exercising have always been important to his dad. Jim’s love for the outdoors has been something that he has enjoyed for as long as Bill can remember. James also enjoys making park trails.
Encouraging his family to exercise was something Bill remembers from the time he was very young. “He was always active, and exercise was very important to him,” Bill said. “I remember we went to a lot of creeks, fishing and looking for arrowheads.”
When Jim finished the recent marathon in less than an hour, he considered it a very good run and was happy with the finishing time.
When he won the first-place medal he was excited. “It was amazing,” Jim said.
While running, walking and exercising are a big part of staying healthy and fit for Jim, he also stresses the importance of eating healthy food to stay active and fit as age advances.
He has run many 5ks, which are 3.1 miles, and also half-marathons, which are 13.1 miles.
When asked how he feels physically after running in a 5k, he said, “I feel good, I have always been an outdoor person.”
Scientists say first-time marathon competitors can dramatically improve the health of their arteries and cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Running a marathon can reverse some signs of ageing, including reducing a person’s vascular age by around four years.
Exercising regularly not only helps people live longer, but better, with more years without pain or disability.
Bill believes his dad is the perfect role model for seniors who want to live long and healthy lives.
He and the rest of the family were very proud that their dad finished the recent 5k race and won the first-place medal. They believe their dad deserves all the recognition he can get for this incredible accomplishment, but they most admire that Jim has always been there for his kids.
Jim plans to run in the next 5k race in 2024, when he turns 90.
His best advice for people who want to live a long and healthy life is, “stay active.”