Peg was born in 1929 and raised through the Great Depression and into World War II. As a member of the “greatest generation,” she learned perseverance and endurance.

Those qualities would serve her well as she began running at the age of 50. Not many women ran in the early days of the first running boom in 1978, and certainly not women of her age.

At first, Peg hid her passion for running. She ran only on secluded back roads with her daughter — me, explaining that she was concerned for me running alone. When she began competing in local races, she registered as her given name, Margretta, rather than the Peg that the non-running world knew.

Peg and Margretta changed identities much like Clark Kent transformed into Superman. By day, mild-mannered bookkeeper Peg tended to daily office duties and chores of rural life at home. Then Margretta took over for an hour or so of training on weekdays with racing on weekends.

After winning an age group award in her first race, Margretta began to take her running more seriously. Following one race, she laughed that she knew she was a runner when she spied a dollar bill on the course and didn’t want to add the seconds on her finishing time to bend down to pick it up.

In 1980, Margretta ran the City of Pittsburgh’s Great Race 10k and discovered that she wasn’t the only woman over the age of 50 with a passion for running. She also discovered that, although it was always her goal just to finish, she almost always finished faster than anyone of her age.

Of course, she never ran too fast to encourage other runners, especially kids running in local races and anyone struggling through a tough race. For a while, she scheduled pre-dawn runs to help a few neighbors begin a running routine.

Margretta ran her first marathon in 1985, the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. She followed that with a Boston qualifying Pittsburgh Marathon finish in 1987 and an age-group placing Boston Marathon finish in 1988.

On vacation in Florida in 1993, she set a national single age 64 record for 15k with her finishing time of 1:12:44, then won the 1995 Pittsburgh Marathon’s 65+ age group with a finishing time of 3:56:37. With that race, she qualified to run the 100th Boston Marathon in 1996, a race which we ran together. She then set a single age record at the 2002 Gatorade Steelers 5k and in 2004, won gold medals in both the 5k and 10k races of the National Senior Games.

In her long competitive career, Margretta has justifiably earned numerous accolades. She was ranked in the top three for her age group in Running Times magazine for more than a decade and was named USATF Outstanding Masters Woman in 85-89 age group for 2014.

After her long and productive running career, Margretta now competes rarely. Her once regimented training has given way to raking leaves, mowing the lawn and walking her dog. She stays fit enough to complete a few of her favorite 5k’s by cycling and an occasional hike.

As Margretta celebrates her 87th birthday this Friday, I celebrate her and her running. She’s not only the greatest runner I know personally, but she’s an inspiration for hundreds of runners young and old. Happy Birthday, Mom — and long may you run.

Upcoming events

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Runs, Valencia. Run on rolling country roads. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.: Mojo Running Group Runs, Seven Fields. 724-772-2808 or info@mojorunningpittsburgh.com

Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.: Mojo Trail Nuts Group Runs, North Park. Run on North Park trails. 724-772-2808 or info@mojorunningpittsburgh.com

Saturday, 7:30 a.m.: Pittsburgh Half Marathon Kickoff Training Run, Pittsburgh. Run 3, 6, 9 or 12 miles from UPMC Sports Complex on the Southside. Thepittsburghmarathon,com

Feb. 13, 9 a.m.: RSG1 Valentine’s Day Race, North Park. Choice of 5k, 10k, 15k. 724-272-8797 or samra.foundation@gmail.com. Online registration at active.com

Feb. 13, 10 a.m.: Community Options Cupid’s Chase, Pittsburgh. Run on North Shore starts near Heinz Field. 412-431-7079 or bridget.haney@comop.org

Feb. 13, 10 a.m.: Trout Island Tromp, Sharpsville. Out and back on rail trail, first race of PREP-4-PITT series. 724-301-6775 or info@mctrails.org. Online registration at RaceIt.com

Feb. 13, 1 p.m.: Frozen 5k and 1 Mile Walk, Jamestown. 724-932-3186, ext. 1319 or muskie5k@yahoo.com

Feb. 14, 10 a.m.: Valentine Prediction Race, Erie. Predict your pace per mile for the race of 4 to 6 miles starting at Presque Isle Rotary Pavilion. Erierunners.club

Feb. 20, 9 a.m.: Winter Sprinter 4 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Canfield, OH. Also 2 mile walk beginning at 9:45 A.M. slandy@meridianhealthcare.net or register online at meridianhealthcare.net

Feb. 27, 10 a.m.: Spring Thaw, North Park. Choice of 10, 15 or 20 miles around North Park Lake. 412-490-0881 or eliterunners.com

March 5, 11 a.m.: Sixth Annual Ellport Borough Community Winter Wonderland 5k, Ellwood City. 724-758-2506 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

March 6, 8:30 a.m.: Mill Creek Distance Classic Half Marathon and 5k, Youngstown, OH. 330-727-6070 or ytownrunners.org

May 1, 7 a.m.: Pittsburgh Marathon and Half Marathon, Pittsburgh. Price increases February 3. thepittsburghmarathon.com

Sept. 25, 8 a.m.: City of Pittsburgh Great Race 10k and 5k, Pittsburgh. Discounted registration until March 31. 412-255-2493 or rungreatrace.com

Oct. 15: Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Sarver. Registration is now open. Butlerfreeporttrail.org

Race results

Harmony Silvester 5k, Dec. 31: Tyler Panenchak, 1st Overall M, 16:30; Billy Lott, 2nd Overall M, 17:07; Elijah Shekinah, 3rd Overall M, 17:13; Angela Mignanelli, 1st Overall W, 19:16; Alaina Hicks, 2nd Overall W, 20:23; Ben English, 2nd 30-34 M, 17:58; Matthew Sudak, 1st 35-39 M, 19:05; Brian Buchan, 3rd 40-44 M, 19:20; Michael Bruno, 2nd 45-49 M, 19:26; Brandon McCormick, 1st 20-24 M, 19:27; Mike Fugate, 1st 25-29, 19:32; Don Polito, 3rd 45-49 M, 20:05; Mariah Mack, 1st 15-19 W, 20:32; David Fugate, 2nd 50-54 M, 20:39; Maddie Gagnon, 1st 11-14 W, 20:41; Katie Lutz. 2nd 15-19 W, 20:51; Caleb Crawford, 3rd 20-24 M, 20:57; Steve Goldcamp, 2nd 55-59 M, 21:00; Mandi Moxie, 3rd 15-19 W, 21:04; Zac Baker, 1st 11-14 M, 21:14; Norah Seibel, 2nd 11-14 W, 21:14; Eric Peirce, 2nd 25-29 M, 21:54; Max Goldcamp, 3rd 25-29 M, 22:03; Gillian Scott, 1st 40-44 W, 22:17; Brooke Molde, 3rd 25-29 W, 23:00; Will Bruno, 2nd 10 & Under M, 23:11; Debbie Fugate, 3rd 45-49 W, 24:07; Dorothy Moxie, 2nd 50-54 W, 24:21; Bob Todd, 3rd 60-64 M, 24:45; Gavin Ferry, 3rd 11-14 M, 24:59; Lori McClafferty, 2nd 40-44 W, 25:06; Dave Adams, 1st 65-69 M, 25:09; Jinny Hertweck, 3rd 40-44 W, 25:18; Lorena Lopez, 2nd 10 & Under W, 25:52; James Hodgson, 3rd 65-69 M, 27:07; Maria Chis, 2nd 20-24 W, 27:07; Sadie Navid, 3rd 10 & Under W, 27:11; Ben Matusek, 3rd 10 & Under M, 27:23; Patricia Neubert, 1st 60-64 W, 27:35; Mary Anne Savage, 2nd 55-59 W, 27:57; Mary Morgan, 3rd 55-59 W, 28:09; Jill Todd, 2nd 60-64 W, 29:29; Dez Csizmadia, 3rd 70+ M, 32:10; Lois Adams, 2nd 65-69 W, 37:02; Judy Lyle, 3rd 65-69 W, 38:11; Nancy Zattiero, 2nd 70+ W, 59:49; Noah Bowser, 19:14; Dan Nguyen, 20:55; Eric Slagle, 20:57; Jeffrey Ward, 21:07; Matt Marshall, 21:25; John Armstrong, 21:39; Jeff Smith, 21:57; Jeffrey Karns, 21:58; Mitch Radella, 22:47; Joe Farrell, 22:52; Michael Wherry, 23:22; Tom Minnoch, 23:26; Stephen Mihalacki, 23:30; Kyle Shank, 23:37; Joseph Matz, 23:46; William Osche, 24:25; Caleb Rauscher, 24:31; Dave Mack, 24:32; Mark Pekich, 24:35; Tony Chan, 24:42; Kristen Kelosky, 24:48; Jeremy Hill, 24:56; Brittni Geibel, 24:56; Rebecca Dudek, 25:02; Maddie Seibel, 25:08; G. Ronald Ripper, 25:13; Jayson Covert, 25:13; Jennifer McNabb, 25:18; Ryan Steigerwald, 25:19; Sarah Shodi, 25:29; Jennifer Lutz, 25:34; Bethany Crawford, 25:39; David King, 25:41; Eliza Matusek, 25:43; Jacob Bruno, 25:49; Alex Lauer, 25:54; Holly Matsko, 25:56; Tyler Flood, 25:57; Gabriel Paredes, 25:58; Frank Coonelly, 26:03; Cassidy Wozniak, 26:06; Bob Monahan, 26:06; Donald Crawford, 26:32; Steven Gaghan, 26:36; Taryn Latsko, 26:50; Connor Shank, 26:52; Margie Lynch, 26:58; Amy Stiles, 26:58; Edward Schleiden, 26:59; Michelle Pekich, 27:03; Katherine Colton, 27:04; Joy Gates, 27:05; Nathan Troyan, 27:07; Franklin Bame, 27:07; Mike Higgins, 27:18; Julia Gagnon, 27:34; Eric Huff, 27:40; Traci Lukavich, 27:45; James Gascoine, 27:47; Marcos Lopez, 27:50; Donna Latsko, 27:52; Cheryl Fox, 27:52; Melissa Jungling, 27:53; Erik Matusek, 27:55; Autumn Heinz, 28:01; Dave Johnston, 28:06; Lena Coyne, 28:06; John Ristey, 28:08; David Gagnon, 28:13; Nick Brower, 28:14; Mark Bird, 28:23; Caitlin Morgan, 28:23; Dion Merrill, 28:25; Derek Shank, 28:29; Debbie Jankowski, 28:37; Cindy Waltemire, 28:47; Jeana Garrity, 28:48; Renee Good, 28:52; Donna Statzer, 29:08; Mike Faller, 29:09; Anthony Bruno, 29:23; Erin Stewart, 29:32; Corie Stewart, 29:32; Joaquin Lopez, 29:38; Jeff Byko, 29:39; Laura Kawecki, 29:40; Christine Patton, 29:43; David Lockerman, 29:44; Karis Fernandez, 29:45; Richard Honsaker, 29:48; Rachel Steigerwald, 29:49; Matthew Morgan, 29:51; Daniel Richiuso, 29:57; Leonard Richiuso, 29:58: Robyn Humphreys, 29:59 Mike McAfee, 30:20; Wendy Colbert, 30:25; Lisa Lee, 30:28; Tom Harmon, 30:41; Kevin Stiles, 30:47; Michael Coyne, 30:50; John Bopp, 30:51; Edwin Amrhein, 30:55; Debra Kuminkoski, 30:57; Amanda Wilhelm, 31:00; Jim Rausher, 31:02; Peggy Sibenac, 31:15; Karlee Kushnereit, 31:19; Susan Kushnereit, 31:30; Ashley Thiebaud, 31:46; Sara Peffer, 31:55; Julia Murray, 32:32; David Murray, 32:32; Christopher Walsh, 32:33; Laura Augustine, 32:35; Chrisie Ambrose, 32:41; Leah Patinski, 33:02; Sue Ann Jones, 33:15; Marisa Bopp, 33:17; Valerie McClymonds, 33:18; Brown Curtis, 33:25; Saige Robertson, 33:25; Jackson Wetzel, 33:26; Donna Merritt, 33:26; Carol English, 33:34; Shannon Wetzel, 33:35; Vickie Turner, 33:54; Isaac Brown, 34:06; Jenna Buechele, 34:08; Denise Phipps, 34:24; Michelle Moxie, 34:52; Melissa Steinmiler, 35:11; Chelsey Giardina, 35:16; Sue Szakelyhidi, 35:34; Tom Vrabely, 35:53; Dawn Cox, 35:59; Deborah Takacs, 36:02; Jackie Garrity, 36:08; Nicole Tascarella, 36:16; Catherine Chis, 37:04; Alicia Wilson, 37:21; Mary Mosso, 37:21; Debbie Patinski, 37:42; Sarah Wilson, 39:02; Al Lane, 39:07; Thomas Turner, 39:07; Brett Shank, 42:11; Sharon Bird, 50:33; Melissa Lopez, 54:53; Patrick Lane, 57:24; Rita Lane, 57:25

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. E-mail bigp16@connecttime.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle.