Local seniors to participate in Dolan Running Series

On Aug. 26, a team of residents from Summit Estates Senior Living and Memory Care in Reno will take their place at the starting line for a one-mile event created for the seniors, ages 66-90, by The Dolan Running Series, produced by Reno 5000. The event will take place at Washoe Country Bowers Mansion Regional Park, 4005 Bowers Mansion Road, New Washoe City, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Wearing matching team T-shirts and comfortable walking shoes, a few will have their walkers or canes in hand.

“Life is a journey and our residents embrace new experiences and challenges regardless of their age or physical abilities,” said Amanda Jenkins, administrator at Summit Estates. “They are physically and mentally ready to conquer this year’s race.”

Residents have been preparing for this race for more than a month with Teri Gooch, life enrichment director at Summit Estates.

Residents participate in a walking club three times a week and an hour-long morning exercise program five days a week.

Gooch teaches them about proper nutrition and, especially, hydration. Residents carry water bottles while walking and access fountains and hydration stations located throughout the community.

The evening before race day, Dining Service Director Zareen Gul will prepare a high-carb and protein-packed meal for team members.

“At every age we need to stay mobile and we need to have a purpose,” explained Gooch. “What better way to do both than by participating in a community event and training together and supporting one another for a new challenge?”

Joining the 10-person team during the race are residents’ family members and team leaders from Summit Estates and its parent company, Mission Senior Living (MSL), based in Carson City.

The RENO 5000 isn’t the first time MSL team members participated in a local race.

For 2018 Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Race, team members partnered with Reno resident and double amputee Jonah Vandever to raise money to purchase new computerized legs.

“Most of our residents grew up in or near Reno and raised their families,” said Jenkins. “That need to participate in and support their community doesn’t change with age, and our residents are always on the go, looking for new, fun opportunities. Our goal is to connect them with those opportunities.”