Hill-Topics
We dedicate this edition of Hill-Topics to a woman who deserves a standing ovation.
And she got a big one.
Marie Wiens, 85, was one of nearly 900 women who participated Saturday in the Emma Creek Classic 5K Walk, Jog, or Run in Hesston.
The race was billed as "a celebration of women's health and fitness." And Wiens could have been the event's poster child.
None of them ran a more impressive race than she did, covering the 3.1 mile course in just over 42 minutes! We searched all over the Internet and as far as we can tell, her time is one of the fastest by any 85-year-old in the world this year.
Believe it or not, she's been running the Emma Creek Run event every year without fail for the past 14 years. And, she has won her age division every year for the past 13, winning enough awards plates for every one of her grandchildren. (According to our sources, she could have won the first year, too, but placed third because, she admits, she didn't try as hard as she could).
Certainly, Marie is the fastest runner at Parkside Homes, where she and her husband, Frank, live in Household Five.
According to activities director Peggy Brandt, Parkside residents and staff members wore "Go Marie!" badges last week leading up to the big race.
"She runs about a mile a day in our back courtyard here, or out in front when someone takes her. Various people volunteer to go out and run with her at times.
"We don't keep up with her."
Life has always been fast-paced for the Wiens. She was born in Siberia, and Frank was born in India. They were Mennonite missionaries in Europe and South America. And they continue to live life to the fullest.
After the run Saturday, Marie stayed to enjoy the buffet of fruit, pastries, and beverages, and she sneaked a few things for Frank to chew on.
When it was time for the awards ceremony, hundreds of women packed the Hesston High School gym.
When Marie's name was announced as the winner in the 85 and older category, she received a long and heartfelt standing ovation.
It was quite a moment and I was proud to take her picture on the awards stand for our hometown newspaper.
Look for Marie on the awards stand next year, and many years to come. Because as long as she is able, Marie will continue to run.
"It's better than medicine," she said.
— GRANT OVERSTAKE
