Niagara man wins marathon at age 56
Finishing first out of more than 1,000 entrants in a marathon facing windy conditions is quite an accomplishment.
To do so at the age of 56 makes it even more impressive.
Stuart Galloway, of Fonthill, did just that when he won the Niagara Falls International Marathon earlier this month, by six minutes ahead of 1,005 other runners in 2:51:07.
“The wind was definitely a factor. The course of kind of winding, so sometimes you had a head wind, and sometimes you had a tail wind,” he said.
“Coming over the (Peace) Bridge was very windy. The humidity was very high, which played a part. You had to take on a lot of fluids … and just had to be a little conservative in the time. I was probably fit enough to run faster — that was my slowest marathon, other than my very first one.”
Galloway said it was his third time participating in the Niagara Falls marathon, which begins in Buffalo, N.Y., and finishes near Table Rock in Niagara Falls, Ont.
He said he likes that the event is close to home.
“You can get out of bed, and go run the marathon instead of sleeping in a hotel. It’s not a huge marathon — it’s only around 1,000 people. It’s not too crowded. If you go to some of the big ones, like Boston or New York, you’re getting 30,000, 40,000 people there, and you’re standing around the starting line for a long time before you start.”
Galloway, who is a member of the St. Catharines Roadrunners & Walkers, said he has participated in about 15 marathons during the last 30 years.
He won the Harrisburg Marathon in 1994, a year after finishing third at the Pennsylvania-based race.
Galloway said he has also had a few top fives in his career.
He set seven men 55 and over Canadian records last year — four indoor records, and three outdoor records.
Galloway won the world masters championships in the M55, 1,500m race last November in Australia.
His success last year earned him a share in the Ontario Masters Athlete of the Year with Ed Whitlock.
When asked how he’s been able to stay at the top of his game at his age, Galloway said: “Just have to be consistent, and try not to get injured. The older you get, the harder it is to stay injury free.”
He said when it comes to training, he sticks to running the trails.
“I try to stay off the roads and sidewalks. Usually only compete on the roads.” Galloway said he likes staying fit. “I enjoy running. I’ve done it all my life. I coached for a long time. Most of my running, I do track races.
He said those who are interested in getting involved in running should start slowly.
“Just try to be consistent. You don’t have to run a lot at first, but get out there as often as you can. Make sure you take some rest days. I always take at least one day a week off.”