'I'm just this old guy that runs': Local octogenarian inspires trail running community
Henry Resta has been running 5 Peaks trail races for 15 years, and last Sunday – a day before his 86th birthday – he raced his last.
Henry, who has been running for 45 years, has become a bit of a local celebrity in the 5 Peaks community, and he was greeted with fanfare and a cold beer at the finish line as friends cheered him on while he climbed the podium one final time.
"What was mostly going through my head was looking for the finish line and seeing if I had enough left to get there," Henry said. "When I was 15 years younger I used to race full out, and now this race, just finish [and] don't fall down."
Kevin McDonald met Henry eight years ago when he became race director of 5 Peaks, and he said he noticed Henry on the podium every time he announced the 70 to 99 category. When he found out Henry's age, McDonald added, he was a bit shocked and very impressed.
"He kind of became my inspiration over the last eight years," McDonald said. "He kept coming out race after race, and I saw him with a smile on his face coming across the finish line."
"It's just kind of cool that he's been part of this community for 40-plus years, running and meeting buddies."
He was a leader in the 5 Peaks community, said Roy Youngberg, who has been running with Henry for 30 years. The 76-year-old Youngberg said Henry and his determination have set a bar that will be difficult to reach before he too retires from running.
"He is very very much a celebrity in our books and always has been," Youngberg said.
"Henry always says you gotta go out and give it your best and run as hard as you can," he added. "Regardless of how old you are, how young you are, you just gotta go out and give'r all you got."
Henry's daughter, Janet Resta, said running has been an important part of her dad's life, and it's helped keep him fit and meet friends. She said it was wonderful to see so many people cheering him on for the final race.
"It was great to see that this entire community [was] getting behind him and cheering him on," Janet said. "Everyone was supportive and he had a wonderful last 5 Peaks."
"Very proud of him today."
Despite crossing his last finish line, Henry isn't hanging up his running shoes for good and he said he will keep running recreationally for as long as he can. Though, Henry added, his runs are looking a bit more like walks with run breaks these days.
Whether he's racing or running for fun, Henry is a reminder of the importance of staying active for a long healthy life, McDonald said, and it was an emotional day watching him finish his last 5 Peaks race.
"It's kind of humbling because I feel just like I'm just this old guy that runs," Henry said. "And if people think it's remarkable, or if it helps them to keep going, you know, that's OK."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.