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August 18, 2001

Carol Lawrence/The Gazette Orval Lohman, at 82 is the oldest entrant in today's race, has run the Pikes Peak Ascent 12 times. Last year, he bettered the ages 80-84 division record by nearly 4 minutes.

By Nick Walter/The Gazette

Orval Lohman thinks he's a little lazy.

That's because he only works out on a treadmill during the winter. He really doesn't like cold weather.

Any other season, Lohman might be seen shuffling along on a trail wearing his good-luck Asics, and, of course, his well-worn flower-like patterned, blue and white shorts with enough pockets to hold food and his handkerchief.

He's competed in the Summer Roundup Trail Run, the 10-mile Garden of the Gods race and plans on running the 13.32-mile Pikes Peak Ascent today.

Contact information Nick Walter may be reached at 636-0250.

That's probably more than you've done. And Lohman, who has been running for 22 years, isn't too impressed with himself.

Still not impressed with Lohman yourself?

He's 82-years old.

Feel free to feel lazy.

"Not too many people are dumb enough to run at that age," said Lohman, humble as always. "They're smart and stay home and rest."

Lohman, who will the the oldest entrant in either the Ascent or Marathon this weekend, has competed in the Ascent 12 times. Last year, he broke the 80-84 age-division record by nearly 4 minutes.

"I've always been able to finish the race," said Lohman, who worked for the city for 12 years before retiring at 60. "But I can't guarantee that this year."

Some years, nothing has been guaranteed for Lohman.

Before the Ascent two years ago, Lohman was diagnosed with cancer of the kidney and was told he would have to miss the race.

Lohman had his left kidney removed, but didn't need any further treatment. Today, he's fully recovered. He trained for the Ascent at the base of Pikes Peak, doing speed-walking three or four times a week to get used to the altitude.

"There's not any places for an old man to run, technically," said Lohman, who has five children and nine grandchildren. "I've got to say, I don't run that much."

Although he might have to if he is to break his own record.

His wife of 53 years, Toni, will be one of the first to know. She works at the finish line.

"When he finishes I can't get close to him," Toni said. "All the young women are after him."

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