Posted: January 13, 2005

Athletics: Marathoner Gadless Dies At 98

From David Monti

(c) 2004 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

Sam Gadless, who didn't run his first marathon until he was 85 years-old, died on 04-Jan, according to his son, Louis Gadless. He was 98 years-old and lived in Boca Raton, Fla.

In 1992, Gadless entered the ING New York City Marathon and finished in 6:44:32 at age 85. He went on to run the race eight consecutive times, and was honored with the Abel Kiviat Award for each of those performances as the oldest finisher of the race. He last ran the ING New York City Marathon in 1999 at the age of 92, finishing in 9:28:05. His best time came in 1993 when, at age 86, he ran 6:04:47.

"Sam loved the New York Marathon and he treasured the memories of his eight marathon experiences," said his son, Louis, in an e-mail message sent to the New York Road Runners. He made many friends through his participation and he had many fans among the people of New York."

In 1998, when Gadless was 91, he ran the race just two months after being hit by a car. He finished in 8:26:00.

"It's like he always says: His goal is to be the healthiest man in the cemetery," his son Louis told Outside magazine at the time.