Throughout winter, Knight often participates in local snowshoe races and 5K events, demonstrating his dedication to staying active and engaged in the running community. Rita Labella and Susan Lovering are two outstanding veteran runners in their 70s. Lovering caught my attention this winter when she attended one of Delta Dental’s snowshoe races. She had never run a snowshoe race but wanted to try it. Because the race has loaner snowshoes available, anyone can jump in. She did very well and completed all three races in the series.
one of the last to finish, but he receives the loudest cheers from the crowd. When asked about his favorite races, I was amazed by his response. He proudly shared that he has completed 60 marathons, including 33 in Boston, and has also participated in 26 Mount Washington Road Races. When I asked his advice for new runners and those who hope to run well into their 80s, he said, "Keep showing up!” and “Always be grateful for what your body can do.” Rob Knight is a beloved local running legend and inspiration to many of us. His passion for running began in the 1990s, training with Bob Teschek and the Granite State Race Team. One of Knight's most memorable racing experiences was a hot Boston Marathon. He pushed through the challenging heat to cross the finish line but then blacked out. As he regained consciousness, surrounded by medical staff, he was happy to see a familiar face: his good friend from the Vineyard, who happened to be nearby.
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Keep showing up and always be grateful for what your body can do!
Above: Tom Raffio and Peter McDonough, who competed 33 Boston Marathons. Below: Rob Knight races on snowshoes through the winter to stay connected.
— Peter McDonough, 84
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Lovering started running to quit smoking in her 20s and then returned to running in her 50s. Her daughter invited her to try a half marathon at Disney, and she agreed and started training. She never looked back. Labella is a talented runner who participates in races every weekend. She also has a beautiful singing voice. You might have heard her sing the national anthem if you ran the NH Marathon last fall. She enjoys seeing families with children at the races and loves sharing her passion for running with her friends. Recently, Labella helped a friend prepare for the running test at the NH Police Academy. They met at Memorial Field, where she designed track workouts for her friend. As a result, her friend's mile
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Above: Rita Labella and Susan Lovering at the Run n Cube 5K.