N.C. Senior Games sets record for participation

RALEIGH -- With every hair in place, Nancy Cox Lund raced to victory Friday in the women's 200-meter dash, smashing age and gender stereotypes as she went.

Lund, 71, of Leicester in Western North Carolina, took first place in the women's 70-74 age division of the N.C. Senior Games state finals. The games, spotlighting senior achievers from across the state, drew a record 3,236 participants this year.

Like Lund, many didn't start exercising until later in life. "Little girls weren't supposed to scuff their patent-leather shoes," recalled Lund, who started walking for exercise at age 40, then took on running. "I just feel wonderful when I run," she said. "It helps keep your weight down, too."

Competition continues today at locations around Raleigh, including N.C. State University, WakeMed Soccer Center and Athens Drive High School. Friday's rain delayed contests only briefly.

"It takes a lot more than a few showers of rain to dampen the spirits of these senior athletes," said Brad Allen, president of the nonprofit N.C. Senior Games and director of the state finals. Allen said the competition drew representatives from all 54 local senior games groups in North Carolina.

Louise Guardino, 67, of Cary came off the track at Cardinal Gibbons High School a little winded but energized.

"I love the sprints," Guardino said as she finished the 200-meter dash in the 65-69 age division. "When I feel like I can go all out, there's nothing like it."

The athletes, all over 55, compete in a range of track events, as well as archery, shuffleboard, table tennis, croquet and basketball.

"We do everything we can get into," said Arleen Duggins of Mayodan in Rockingham County, after shooting basketball at Laurel Hills Park. "We are learning tap dancing."

For those who have nonathletic talents, the games include the Silver Arts Heritage competition for visual and performing arts. At NCSU's McKimmon Center today, painting, pottery, poetry and other arts will be on display.

"We celebrate the creative spirit of the older adults," said Annette Crumpton, of Wilmington, Silver Arts Heritage co-chair. "It really complements the sports."