Four Generations of Runners Take on the 5K

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The Fargo marathon events are well underway. The 5K run/walk kicked off at 6:30 Friday evening.

We caught up with one family of four generations running, including a 91-year-old.

“It’s terrific anytime we get together,” says 91-year-old Dave LaChappelle.

Four generations all coming together for 3.1 miles, including 91-year-old Grandpa Dave.

“It’s a get together and like I said it’s for the family,” he says.

He’s one of the oldest people to sign up for any of the Fargo marathon events.

“Some might say he’s in better shape and better health than I am. But it’s really special to have my grandpa and my daughter and my mom all running together… or walking,” says his granddaughter Ruth Wirtz.

Many in the family have been running in marathon events for years.

“When I was younger I ran the kids and I’ve ran two half marathons,” says great-grandson Dexter Pelzman.

But having Grandpa Dave join in this year is a first. Wearing shirts identifying their age and generation, the entire family agreed that walking and running the 5K wouldn’t be complete without grandpa.

“Not everyone gets a chance to have their great grandpa, their grandparents, mom and kids in a family walk this together,” Pelzman says.

And once the race started Grandpa Dave was off.

The family isn’t sure how many years he has left but they hope to continue this new tradition for the rest of his life.

“I would love for this to become a tradition. We plan on staying in the area for quite a while,” says Wirtz.

All eight of the family members crossed the finish line. The marathon events continue Saturday.
Reporting live in the studio, Bianca Buono, KVRR news.