For most people, running a race is a one-time challenge or an occasional goal. For Patsy, it became a lifelong commitment; one that has spanned an incredible 47 consecutive Kalamazoo Klassic events. What began as a simple decision to try something new turned into a tradition, a passion, and a powerful example of perseverance.
Patsy’s first Klassic came at a time when opportunities for girls in sports were limited. “Girls didn’t have anything they could do sportswise,” she recalls. But encouragement from a friend changed everything. What started as a fun, social activity quickly became something more. After that first race, she made up her mind: as long as the event continued, she would be part of it.
Over the years, Patsy has experienced the Klassic in many forms. Starting as a runner and eventually transitioning to power walking so she could continue participating. That adaptability is part of what has kept her going, and it mirrors how the event itself has evolved. What began as a single 10K race has expanded to include a 5K and eventually a 5K walk, making it possible for participants to keep showing up year after year, even as their abilities change. It’s a transformation that has allowed people like Patsy, who started early, to stay involved as they’ve gotten older. “I know what to expect,” she says, though one thing hasn’t changed: her dislike for the course’s infamous hill. “God, I hate that hill,” she laughs.
There are also more participants now, especially more women, which she sees as a meaningful change. Yet the heart of the event has remained the same: a welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities come together. “You meet really good people, and it doesn’t matter how old you are or how fast you are, the point is you’re doing it.”
Her most memorable moment came the first time she won her age group; a milestone that stood out among decades of races and personal achievements. It was a moment that reflected not just her effort on that day, but years of dedication and consistency.
At 80 years old, Patsy continues to train regularly, walking laps in her neighborhood and steadily building toward her goal of completing a 5K. Her determination hasn’t faded, in fact, it’s sharpened. “I expect to win now,” she says with a smile, noting that fewer people her age are still competing. This year, she’s aiming for a 40-minute finish, improving on last year’s time of 44:48.
For Patsy, the Klassic is more than just a race. It’s a reason to stay active, both mentally and physically. “I am living and am still trying to have as young a body as I can have,” she says. It’s also a reminder of how far she’s come and how far she can still go. When asked to describe the event in one word, her answer is simple: “Goals.”
Her advice to newcomers reflects the spirit that has carried her through nearly five decades: “Have fun. Do the best you can, but don’t worry about it. Being in it is the important part.”
And if she could go back and speak to her younger self at that very first race? She knows exactly what she’d say: “Thanks, Don.”
Because sometimes all it takes is one person (and one step) to start something that lasts a lifetime.
