In the years 2013 and 2014, Neighborhood 32 resident Nick Koplos successfully completed his running races (male 74 to 79) to earn two 2nd places from CARA (Chicago Area Running Association). This past year of 2015, Nick’s efforts were again rewarded, this time with a 1st place trophy from CARA.
Last January, Nick and his wife, Joanie Koplos, were joined by their Sun City friend Nancy Moore on their respective vacations to Florida. Nick and Nancy (female 70 to 74) successfully ran the 4 mile race over Sarasota’s Ringling Bridge, while Joanie (female 70 to 74) walked the race in great time.
L to R: Nick Koplos, Joanie Koplos, and Nancy Cihlar after the O’Hare 5K On The Runway Challenge. (Photo provided)
This past spring, Nancy Moore was joined by Sun Citian Joan Davis. Together the two ladies ran the McHenry County Challenge Yourself/Find Your Hero 5K race sponsored by NAMI with proceeds going to mental health services. In the same meet, Joanie Koplos was joined by fellow walker, Sun Citian, Nancy Cihlar. All 4 ladies received awards for their age group efforts.
This past July, Nick Koplos ran 5 races in the Six County Senior Olympic Track Meet held at his Alma Mater, Maine (East) High School, Park Ridge. The results netted Nick a 1st in the 400 and 800 meter races, a 1st also in the 1 mile and 2 mile races, with a 2nd in the 200 meter race.
On September 25, Sun City’s male ace runner was joined by his wife, Joanie, and Nancy Cihlar, who completed the O’Hare 5K On The Runway Challenge. Nick earned a 1st out of 7 place finishers among the runners (28.15 total time) in his new age category of 80 to 84 years of age. Both ladies completed the race by walking 15 minute miles (15.38 pace). Joanie Koplos, walking in the 70 to 74 age group, earned a 3rd out of 12 place finishers. Cal’s Kids, the major charity of the race, received funds to help juvenile cancer patients and their families.
On October 2, at the Annual Mane in Heaven 5K Walk/Run Race, Joanie Koplos won 1st in her age group (16.18 pace). The proceeds of the race went to Silver Lining Equestrian, LITH. The ranch is a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic benefits to disabled and able-bodied children and adults.
