While Hank Caldwell may be 89, he doesn’t let that slow him down from his long-time passion – running. The Park Ridge resident continues to hit the pavement an average of three times a week when the weather is nice, and he participates in an average of 15 to 20 different 5K races a year. Including the annual Run the Runway race at Chicago Executive Airport.

Hank began running in the 1980s when he was coaching soccer and lacrosse for students in elementary school through 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.

Hank is looking forward to this month’s Run the Runway race, a tradition he has kept for several years. He notes he enjoys the community feel and getting out to enjoy the view from the airport grounds that are normally closed to the general 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.

Hank retired in 2000 after 36 years as an elementary school teacher. He spends his time enjoying the outdoors, including yard work and, of course, running.

When asked what his favorite thing about a race was, he laughed and said, “finishing.”