By Maxim Furek
In 2022, another Run for the Diamonds’ Local Age Group Record was broken — this time, in the 80 and over division.
Lifelong runner and athlete Frank McDonald, who had just turned 80 on November 23, ran the Diamonds the next day. He finished with a time of 1:53:55. McDonald has completed the Diamonds nine-miler 39 years in a row. He began his mission in 1983 at the age of 41.
“I didn’t know I had broken the record until someone called me,” he said. “It felt good, like I accomplished something.”
Local sports historian, Rick Hueholt, noted, “Prolific runner Rich Hause held the previous record. In 2013, at the age of 80, Hause crafted a time of 2:01:40. Hause held records in 50-59, 60-69, and 70-79 as well as the 80 and over the mark.”
Hause, nicknamed “The Legend,” retired from racing the Diamonds in 2016. His wife, Joanne Hause, has the Local Women’s Age Group record over 80 set in 2012 with a scintillating 1:57:36.
Both McDonald and Hause are residents of Berwick. McDonald bested Hause’s record by almost eight minutes which is remarkable. McDonald has also been an impressive all-around athlete. He has won his age group in the Berwick YMCA Triathalon — running, biking, swimming — five times.
Look for Frank McDonald at the 2023 Run for the Diamonds. It will be his 40th in a row.
Categories: Athlete Profiles
Runner's Gazette 
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