JK8K
Dedicated to Jim Kurtz
Jim was a very dear and great friend. He was always thinking of others. Gave his free time constantly. He was a fellow runner who was quite competitive and always humble with his successes.
To honor his life we established the JK8K cross country race to celebrate his kindness and generosity and his undying devotion to his family.
Striders in Action
Golden Games, Bullhead AZ, 4/10/26
Two Striders travelled to Arizona to compete in the Golden Games Master’s Track and Field Meet recently, and put up dominant numbers. Ed Rose (77) and new Strider James Malin (74) entered 8 events, with one or the other winning each. In fact, in 2 events, Jim (SP) and Ed (50m) had better marks than any of the other competitors, regardless of age – and in 5 of the other 6 events they were 2nd best. Both were scored in the 75-9 age group, as Jim will turn 75 later in the year. Here is the final tally:
Long Jump – (1) Ed – 11’2″ (mastersankings.com 2026 standings: #4 world, #3 US)
(2) Jim – 10’9″ (21 world, 13 US (70-4 AG))
Triple Jump – (1) Ed – 22’10” (4 world, 2 US)
Standing Long Jump – (1) Ed – 6’3″
Shot Put – (1) Jim – 23’8″ (5 world, 2 US (70-4 AG))
Discus – (1) Jim – 101’5″ (9 US (70-4 AG))
(2) Ed – 78’2″ (5 US)
50m – (1) Ed – 7.88 (1 world, 1 US)
100m – (1) Ed – 15.78 (15 world, 4 US)
200m – (1) Ed – 32.11 (10 world, 3 US)
Ed had this to say about the experience:
…competed at the Golden Games in Bullhead City Az on April 10th. A small meet with an unusual format. They run all of the field events prior to any running. My day started with the standing long jump, long jump, triple jump and the discus. Then they let us run. I have been working on a standing start using one pedal of the blocks as I have had a history of terrible starts. Not today, it was perfect and I ran a great technical race. In the end I ran 7.88 which beat my previous best mark set in 2017. This currently #1 in the world, (early in the season). My 200M 32.11 was over a second improvement for the season and my best since 2018. Not exactly sure what is going on but I hope it continues. I ended the day with six gold medals and one silver. The picture is early in the 50M race.
Andy’s BLOG 04/12/2026
Andy Anderson (89) is back to serious running at last, so it’s time to revive his blog so we can tag along on his next chapter:
04/05/26
I have finally run a good 5K time. I run in a Riverside park that has a well-measured 5K course and sponsors a 5K every Saturday morning. I run about every other Saturday. Each time my time comes down and yesterday I reached my goal of 35:30. Using mastersrankings.com, there is only one listing for 85-89 year olds for 5K in 2026. It is too early since the 5K listed there are almost certainly formal races on a track, not road races which can be very inaccurate. Using the 2025 85-89 5K rankings, my 35:30.00 puts me 11th in the world, and 2nd for 89 year olds. The fastest 89 year old was 10th in the world and ran a 33:40.88 in Norway in 2025. I always wear my San Diego Striders singlet. Attached is a picture from my run yesterday.
My doctors have now cleared me to compete in the faster 400/800 races. So I will now start intense training for those. My plan is to run in the state championship meet in Pasadena on May 30. I will keep you informed, and I will be wearing the San Diego Striders singlet!
04/12/26
I ran a final 5K on the same course yesterday. It was nearly a minute faster 34:32. A picture of me yesterday shows the Striders singlet much better. Now I start my 400/800 training.
