Yet again, I had other plans on the dates when Pennsylania held its qualifying events for the National Senior Games scheduled Summer 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa. The same was true for track qualifiers in Delaware where I qualified two years ago. In order to participate in national competition held in odd-numbered years, senior athletes (over age 50) must qualify in their sport in the previous even-numbered year.

After perusing surrounding states that would allow out-of-state participants, New Jersey was the choice, based on date of events and driving distance for me. So, earlier this month, it was an early morning drive on the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Turnpikes to the Woodbridge NJ High School.

I was registered for the 400, 800 and 1500 meter heats, with the events scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The 400 meter was the final competition scheduled. As you might guess, it was also my least impressive performance.

I was disappointed to see that I was the only female registered in the AG 75-79. There were a number of women in my age group competing in distances from 50 meters to 200 meters, but none in the 400 meters or longer. To fill out heats, I ran with women 65+ in some events and in others with a mix of men and women in several age groups. It was still good competition and an interesting experience amongst some speedy participants.

Woodbridge High School has a nice track, the weather was in the high seventies with cloud cover and only an occasional raindrop. All great conditions to compete with a friendly group of runners.

I made the qualifying times determined by NSGA in the 800 meter and the 1500 meter. My time for the 400 was way below NSGA’s qualifying time, but since I was the only competitor in the age gro up, I should qualify for the 400 meter in Des Moines 2025 based on taking first place in NJ by default.

Drumroll, my results and the NSGA 2025 AG 75-79 qualifying times are as follows:

800 Meter – 4:24.6 (NSGA qualifying time 5:02:30)

1500 Meter – 8:56:8 (NSGA qualifying time 10:55:47)

400 Meter – 2:10.1 (NSGA qualifying time 1:55:20)

After my last event I stopped by the Woodbridge Community Center to pick up my event shirt. Only large sizes remained, so you can expect to see my husband wearing a New Jersey Track & Field t-shirt on his morning walks.

But the real treat was a walk through this fabulous community center where the swim and billiards competitions along with several others were held. In addition to the Senior Games participants, the center was full of local families enjoying the skating rink and a buzzing snack bar.

My impression of Woodbridge is that of an historic and vibrant community. They did a great job of hosting the New Jersey Senior Games, particularly the track and field events. Thank you, Woodbridge and New Jersey for allowing we out-of-staters to participate.