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For someone who has run 110 marathons and is still going strong, Jim Baillargeon of Somerset, Wisconsin is quite modest when asked what his secret is to staying young. "Find a way to have fun," says Baillargeon, who is 62. "On Thursdays I run at Willow River State Park, Saturdays I run with the New Richmond Running Club and I compete in several 5Ks and 10Ks to keep myself competitive."
On Sunday, October 7, 2007, Baillargeon will be one of thousands, circling the lakes, ascending Summit Avenue and crossing the finish line at the state capitol for the 26th Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. What many spectators won't realize is that he is one of 65 individuals who comprise the Charter Club, a group whose members have successfully completed all 25 traditional fall races since the marathon's inception in 1982.
The first marathon Baillargeon ran was in 1977, the City of Lakes Marathon. Laughing as he recollects the race, "I bought my first pair of running shoes the week before. I finished in 3 hours, 5 minutes." His personal best is 2 hours, 41 minutes.
During the peak of his running career, Baillargeon said he was running roughly 80 miles per week. Now he says he takes it easy, running around 50. Ask any runner from Western Wisconsin though, and they'll tell you that Jim is consistently winning his age group at local races and has hardly slowed down.
As for what changes he has seen in the race over the years and what keeps him coming back, he said, "It's always been a beautiful course with enthusiastic fans and runners. Each year more and more people participate in the event and I've come to recognize several familiar faces, such as the Simonets."
Baillargeon and Sue Simonet, from River Falls, Wisconsin, are also members of the Charter Club.
For more 2007 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon information or to share your TCM moment, visit: MTCMarathon.org.
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.
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