76-Year Old Ray Piva Sets 24-Hour World-Record

October 2002

Maybe Ray Piva’s running success is due to his rested legs. For the first 55 years of his life he did not run and he did not start running ultras until nearly a decade later when he was 64. Whatever the reason, Piva has set 21 American and world age-group records. His most recent world age-group record was running 105.2 miles in 24-hour at the USATF 24-Hour Championship at Olander Park in Sylvania, Ohio in September. "Never in a million years would I have expected this," the humble Piva says of his ultra record accomplishments.

Piva’s records span ultradistances from 50K to 100 miles and include road and trail. He became interested in running USATF ultra championships by reading Ultrarunning magazine. His interest took him to the 2002 24-Hr championship where he ran his record race with only the support provided by the well organized race.

Although Piva runs most ultras near his home in San Francisco including Western States 100, he enjoys running national championships because he knows the courses are certified and that records run on these courses are recognized. He also gets to run with best runners in his age group at national ultra championships. At national ultra championships Piva says "I learn a lot from other runners who are willing to help and give good advice." Maybe it is the help and good advice that contributes to Piva’s numerous ultra records, or maybe it’s his rested legs.

	Compete with Ray Piva at national championships and participate in the variety of USATF Ultra Championships scheduled throughout the country! The next 2002 USATF Ultra Championship is Edmund Fitzgerald 100K in Duluth, MN on October 19 www.edmundfitz.com

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Last updated: 09/14/05
Web Author: Lorraine Gersitz