The National Senior Games kicked off bright and early July 24 with the 5K Road Race at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Mark Schmitz, a National Senior Games Association board member, was one runner with a special story.
On a drizzly early Thursday morning, National Senior Games Association (NSGA) board member Mark Schmitz and hundreds of enthusiastic runners kicked off the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana with the 5K Road Race. While this is Mark’s first National Senior Games as a participant, he has completed several marathons and is a passionate runner.
The 54-year-old Missouri native was not active until his 40s. When Mark’s son joined a cross-country team, Mark decided to join him for training. At first, he had trouble reaching the mailbox. By setting small goals, Mark completely turned his life around, improving his focus, relationships, and quality of life. His growth is inspiring to everyone, whether you can run to the mailbox or run a marathon.
Incredibly, Mark has gone from zero physical activity to being the eighth man to run a marathon and half-marathon on every continent. “Movement is medicine. If you’re active and fit, your quality of life is so much better,” Mark advised.
Mark has been an NSGA board member for nine years and has emphasized the importance of prioritizing an active lifestyle as adults age. Mark noted, “As children, our parents kept us active, but when we’re parents, we lose focus on ourselves.” He believes that movement and activity are the key to longevity, which is validated by the athletes of many ages who competed in the 5K.
Motivation is key to Mark’s running, and events like the National Senior Games are an ally to his mission. His path has not always been easy to reach exceptional goals, but Mark, who finished 7th in his age group with a time of 23:52, cites the National Senior Games as a perfect way to fill in gaps in the off-season. Mark explains, “If I don’t have a goal, I am less motivated. That’s why these Games are so important…I always have something that I am chasing to get me out of bed.”
Mark is undoubtedly a beacon of inspiration and proof that an active lifestyle is valuable to aspire to, no matter your age.
By: Sydney Parker
Click Here to Read More Games Daily Stories
