Park Ridge resident Hank Caldwell maintains active lifestyle through running

Hank Caldwell, 89, continues to pursue his passion for running despite his age. The Park Ridge resident runs an average of three times a week when the weather permits and participates in approximately 15 to 20 different 5K races annually, including the Run the Runway race at Chicago Executive Airport.

Caldwell began running in the 1980s while coaching soccer and lacrosse for students ranging from elementary to high school. "I figured if I was going to make the kids run and get in shape, I would have to run along with them," he explained.

He is looking forward to this month's Run the Runway race, a tradition he has maintained for several years. Caldwell enjoys the community atmosphere and appreciates the opportunity to enjoy views from airport grounds typically closed to the public. "I normally run the first 100m and the last 100m for the fanfare but slow down and walk a bit in the middle," he said.