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Runner celebrates 50th birthday with 50 miles

Jim Venters celebrated his 50th birthday on March 23 by doing what he has planned for the last two years: running 50 miles in one day at Miami Meadows Park as a celebration to himself.

"I stopped smoking several years ago and began to get myself into shape," Venters said. "I took up walking, then running and I've run a couple of marathons already. But I wanted to do 50 miles in one day just because I think I can do it."

Venters came up with the idea about two years ago, but has been training for this say for 27 weeks, following a rigid program he found to run what is considered an "ultra-marathon." Venters will run the 2.5 miles paved course at Miami Meadows Park on SR131 starting at 5:13 a.m., which is time of his birth 50 years ago. His 20 laps around the park should be completed by 3 p.m., he says.

"I'll be consuming about 4,000 calories during the run in energy bars and drinks to keep me going," said Venters, who estimates he has trained about 1,200 miles since September when his training program began.

And why does Venters run at Miami Meadows Park, as opposed to road courses like so many other runners?

"First, the scenery is so much more beautiful in the park that running along a road," he said. "Second, drivers are discourteous to runners, and I don't want to get hit along some road somewhere."

Miami Meadows Park is one of five parks in the Miami Township park system.

READ JIM VENTERS LETTER OF THANKS TO MIAMI TOWNSHIP EMPLOYEES:

Dear Miami Township Board of Trustees:

I celebrated my 50th birthday on March 23rd of this year by running 50 miles (it seemed like a good idea when I was 49) at Miami Meadows Park. I measured a 2.5 mile course and completed 20 laps in 9:57:42. The park is indeed a jewel in the Miami Township park system…clean, well maintained, safe and beautiful. The Township is to be commended for providing such a wonderful multi-use resource for its residents and visitors!

This is to extend a special "Thank You" to a few Township employees who, without their help, the above endeavor would not have been accomplished quite as envisioned. Officers Mike Henderson and Scott Ball (whom I came to know as they opened the park gates, patrolled and gave encouragement during the almost 1200 mile/7 month training phase leading up to 3/23) as well as neighbor, Officer Keith Benhase combined to make an arrangement whereby I gained access to the park a bit early so I could symbolically begin my run at 5:13 AM, the time of my birth. On his day off, Mike even came by to make sure I got in OK and see the start and came back for the finish!

If you'll recall, we had a heavy wet snow on 3/21 with temperatures well below freezing the next two nights which make running conditions on the path and road hazardous. John Zellner and staff members Joe Stubblefield and Lee Everson sprung into action and made sure that the running surface was cleared and safe.

These individuals went well beyond "the call of duty" to make the day spectacular for me, my family and friends who visited throughout the day. None of them had to do anything. I can never thank them enough, or you, for fostering a culture that encourages such thoughtfulness. I'll not forget them and what they did. On the next occasion where someone complains about "government in action", feel free to refer them to me!

Thanks again,

Jim