By BEN KLEINE

Staff writer

Being an active person — he works out five times a week — Randy Weins of Hillsboro wanted a physical event on New Year’s Day.

With a group of local runners, Weins helped organize the Frostbite Fun run six years ago. This year’s fun run is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday in Hillsboro.

“I’m one of the instigators,” he said.

The local barber says the 4-mile run is part of his yearlong preparation for marathons and half-marathons. Weins has competed in the Oklahoma City Marathon the past 10 years. Between marathons, Weins runs shorter races and submits himself to a 12-week training program before a 26.2-mile race.

He ran his first marathon in 1996 in Dallas. He challenged himself to complete the marathon after his wife at that time committed to running a marathon by the age of 40. She suffered an injury while training weeks before the race but Weins decided to run the race. They competed together a few months later in the Los Angeles Marathon.

From that point, Weins was hooked on distance running — he enjoys the pride he feels finishing a grueling run and staying in shape.

“It makes you feel good,” he said.

Weins started running late in life and, at age 57, said he is too old for speed. However, he makes up for a lack of fast feet with determination and dedication.

“I call myself a plow horse, I set a pace and run,” he said.