Run-Of-The-Treadmill Event

Participating in marathons no longer motivates longtime runner Rick Clark.

Instead, the 53-year-old Town 'N Country resident is using charity fundraisers and promoting exercise as his newfound inspiration.

Clark is not new to the running world. His career includes marathons, 12-hour track races and 50-mile and 100-kilometer competitions.

With such a career, Clark feels he has knowledge to share that will benefit others in becoming healthy and fit.

"Part of what motivates me is we are an unfit nation," Clark said. "People are young and already starting out overweight. Not that I'll put a dent in it, but I want to raise consciousness."

In 2002, Clark started thinking of ways to keep himself interested in running "that didn't involve winning all the T-shirts and medals."

He decided he wanted to promote indoor running, help people become aware of what kind of shape they are in and what are the necessary steps to get fit.

In 2006, Clark, who competed for more than 25 years, hosted a treadmill fitness challenge to benefit BlazeSports Tampa Bay. The club is part of the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department and provides recreational services for disabled individuals.

The challenge required participants to race Clark on a treadmill beginning at a pace of 5 mph. The pace was increased by a half-mile per hour every minute until reaching 10 mph. The runner who lasted the longest was the winner.

After three or four challenges, he could no longer host the events due to management changes at Bally Total Fitness, 4340 W. Hillsborough Ave.

Clark didn't give up. He approached other gyms and facilities hoping to bring back the challenge.

Now, with corporate approval from Bally Total Fitness, he restarted the Beat the Geezer treadmill fitness challenge on March 23. He is hosting it again on April 27. The March challenge benefited BlazeSports. The April event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay.

"This is a great opportunity for us to get the word out about our athletes," said Becky Lehman, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist for BlazeSports.

During the event, BlazeSports received some donations, and Lehman provided information about the organization. Members of the program even attended to cheer on Clark and anyone participating.

"It's a good idea," said Rich Arto, 30, who raced against Clark. "He has great endurance."

Clark said Arto was the first to keep up with him for so long. Arto raced until they were both going at 10 mph but stopped after about four minutes.

People taking part are eligible to receive a Bally's trial membership, lunch at Sweet Tomatoes or a one-hour personal training session.

Although Clark didn't get the turnout he was expecting, he is still hopeful to get his message out.

"It's hard getting started, but if you get over that initial hump then you will continue," Clark said.

BEAT THE GEEZER

WHAT: A treadmill challenge against 53-year-old runner Rick Clark

WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. April 27

WHERE: Bally Total Fitness, 4340 W. Hillsborough Ave.

COST: Free, but donations will be accepted to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay

DETAILS: People wanting to challenge Clark do not need to be members of the gym.

INFORMATION: rick clark@tampabay.rr.com