Belmont Village Senior Living Lincoln Park. Photo credit Terry Keshner
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As thousands of runners get ready for the Chicago Marathon next weekend, one veteran Chicago runner is reflecting on all the miles he's put in over many years.
Running is "the greatest therapy in the world," says Sherman Hodges, 88, who ran in the first Chicago Marathon in 1977.
After that first event, he said many contestants jumped into Lake Michigan.
"It was beautiful!" he said. "People were diving into the water right after they finished to cool down!"
Hodges has run dozens of marathons, including ULTRA-marathons.
The lifelong Chicagoan and Korean War veteran, who wears an earring, partied at Woodstock and considers himself a bit of a hippie.
Running always brings him home, he said.
"It's the best thing for you. It cures all.”
It’s all about keeping moving, he adds: "Run, walk, just keep it going. And drink a lot of water. Water and exercise, you'll live to be 88."
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram