Ken Davison has achieved a big milestone.
The 76-year-old from Sherwood Park has been running marathons for over 40 years. On Mar. 6, he completed the Athens virtual marathon on the Dow Centennial Centre track (DCC) — running 126 loops in just under five hours — which marks his 117th finished marathon.
He had some running friends, John Mack and Roger McMillan, cheer him on with support from staff at the facility.
Davison explained he used to play soccer as a kid back when he lived in Ireland but soon realized the part he actually enjoyed about the sport was running. During a soccer game at Rundle Park, after he moved to Canada, he noticed a running race taking place in the park at the same time. He expressed interest to one of the runners participating in the race and after she invited him to join their running group.
His running career soon took off.
"It's really healthy for you and I really enjoyed it, " Davison said. "I really enjoyed the traveling too, and meeting all the different runners at different events."
He remembers doing a virtual marathon that was taking place in Dublin. He had to start at 5 a.m. so that he would be running at the same time as everyone in Europe and since the parks aren't open yet that early, Davison had to talk to municipal enforcement and get permission to run.
"[The officer] said 'if you're crazy enough to be up at five in the morning running, we will not be there bothering you,'" he laughed.
Some of his favourite runs abroad were in New York, Vancouver, Toronto, Fort McMurray and in Honolulu. He did a marathon in Europe where fireworks were going off as he ran, lighting up the area.
A few years ago, he recalled doing a Canada Day run in Edmonton at 7 a.m. and then rushing back into Fort Saskatchewan to participate in the 15 km at 11 a.m.
Davison also mentioned he used to have a tradition where he would eat Campbell's pea soup before every race. Unfortunately, after the company stopped making that brand, he had to switch.
"Now we're back to the spaghetti in the mornings before the marathon."
The pandemic had a big impact on his running plans since he was no longer able to travel. However, despite his love of going to new places for races, Davison found the increase in virtual races a huge benefit, since it was more affordable and easier for him to join.
Doing multiple marathons a year and training all year long can be taxing, but Davison said he still loves doing it and has no plans to slow down.
He was recently nominated for an Outstanding Athletic Achievement Award.
