At age 70 I am often the oldest participant in 5K, 10K and half-marathon road races and similar trail run events. On the Saturday morning of Aug. 4 the Petroleum Valley Youth Center in Chicora sponsored its 3rd annual Gremlin Gallop 5K trail run with the Karns City High School cross-country team.

I was the oldest entrant in their 3-year history.

Misty fog, drying leaves, a wonderful song honoring America, and an excited group of runners took off! About one mile in, one other runner and I got a little off trail. A kind volunteer redirected us.

Shortly after I alone got way off track. Forest density, rough terrain, an old railroad bed, a dark looming metal tunnel with ankle-deep water was dead ahead. No people, no cars, no souls ... just my own breathing.

Look, a couple of houses. Dogs on chains. No answer. Yep someone is coming. Go right, then left.

Out on Route 268, that’s the Mount Zion Church. I hail a passing vehicle. “Dave,” age 78, says “I’m not a local, I can ride you to Route 68. You need a break. Don’t get hurt!”

Finally the finish line is near, almost two hours. An organizer smiles and approaches. “You made it, Johnny. Can you finish? We were going to send out the fire department and a search crew.”

I stumbled through the finish line. The timer was already gone. A smiling crew of Gremlin Antelope applauded softly. How far did the old dude run? Don’t have a clue. Ask God.