Short Film ‘For the Love of Mary’: You’re Never Too Old to Be Running Up Mountains

Having recently rediscovered running as a great way to push through the dark days, to get that back-burner working when feeling stuck, and to simply keep moving, I came across this little gem which I thought might be a nice topical treat to share.

Meet George Etzweiler, the 97-year-old runner from State College, Pennsylvania, who completed the race up Mount Washington first when he was 69 years old, and 20 years on, started breaking his very own record for oldest finisher on an annual basis. ‘There’s no such thing as too old to start running’ is a credo this man lives by as he continuously climbs the highest peak in the Northeast.

Every year, the 12.2 km race up nearly 1,430 m (7.6 mile, 4,700 feet) gets a little bit harder, but George keeps going and so does his support system, be it fellow runners cheering him on, an actual pacemaker that doesn’t stop him from competing, as well as his lucky green running shorts and the special memory that comes with them.

Another truly inspirational human being whose heart-warming story I hope you’ll enjoy on this special day.

NB: The film might only be 6 minutes long, but I’d make sure the tissue box is not too far away before hitting play, …just in case…

Happy Valentine’s Day, my fellow travellers and runners! 💝🌍🙋‍♀️