
Blind Runner Makes Another Triumphant Return
On a drizzly Sunday morning, Keryl Rustin lined up with hundreds of runners aged 50 and over at Flagstaff Hill in Pittsburgh for the National Senior Games 5K Road Race.
The first hill on the course presented a challenge for athletes, but after her feats at the 2022 National Senior Games presented by Humana in Florida, Keryl proved she is unstoppable.
Keryl is blind and planned to run the 5K at last year’s Games using directions from a smartphone app. The morning of the race, the app malfunctioned and threatened to force Keryl to withdraw. Undeterred, she ran the race completely unassisted, following the sound of the other competitors footsteps and their shouts when she unintentionally crossed paths. Read her full inspiring story in this Athlete of the Month feature.
Keryl chose to run with a guide who provided directional cues at this year’s National Senior Games.
“It was fantastic, I really enjoyed the experience and the exhilaration. I feel rejuvenated,” Keryl shared with a broad smile after the race.
Keryl connected with her guide, Kenneth Lee, through a mutual friend. Kenneth is a Pittsburgh resident who is active in run clubs and often trained in the park where the race took place in high school.
While it was Kenneth’s first time guiding a visually-impaired runner, Keryl gave him a glowing review. “That [the hill] was a bit intimidating, but with my guide, who was there by my side every step of the way, I felt very confident and comfortable in knowing that he was giving me all the right cues,” she said.
Kenneth ran alongside Keryl until she launched into an impressive sprint at the finish line. “She’s a very positive person. We’ve only known each other for one day, but she never complains about anything and is just enjoying the moment,” said Kenneth.
We look forward to continuing to follow Keryl’s National Senior Games journey and her quiet feats determination that set an example for us all.
WEDNESDAY: Don’t Miss the Pittsburgh Premiere of Team Dream Documentary
The Team Dream documentary released last year has gained notoriety by winning film festival prizes, audience acclaim and being the subject of several positive media features. Now the impactful short film featuring Senior Games swimmers will have its Pittsburgh premiere this Wednesday, July 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Row House Cinema, 4115 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201.
Tickets are going fast and may sell out. Guarantee your seat now by reserving free tickets at this link.
Team Dream is the first documentary shot from the 2022 Queen Collective program, executive produced by Queen Latifah. The film follows two African American senior swimmers, Ann Smith, 82, and Madeline Murphy Rabb, 77, as they prepared and then competed in the 2022 National Senior Games presented by Humana. The film reveals that nothing – not age, not race, and certainly not Chicago’s notorious weather – could stop them from training and achieving their goal to swim in national competition. Athletes and older adults will see themselves in the film as they see the joy, sacrifice, victories and personal histories portrayed in this age affirming film.
NSGA Store Features Customizable Apparel
You’re here! Now get something to wear so you look the part of a senior athlete at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana in Pittsburgh and when you return home!
There’s a wide variety of apparel, hats, towels and other items for you to select from, but the best thing is that you can customize your wearables with add-on imprints made onsite right before your eyes. Add a medal image or your sport name to your sleeve. Add another image to the back of your shirt. Add other colorful graphics to make your gear YOUR gear!
It’s all at the NSGA merchandise tents found at the convention center and at many of the sport venues around the city. Come and get it!