Sid Howard, a runner for more than 30 years, has received numerous awards and traveled around the world to race. Here, he talks about the different races he has been involved in over the years including his ideal place to run.
Q: What are your connections to Northern Manhattan?
A: Well, I run weekly at the 168th Street Armory in Washington Heights. I am also a member of the Central Park Track Club, which I have been for the past 31 years. I am an assistant track coach and the "main greeter" for new runners there.
Q: What kind of races do you run in NYC?
A: Right now I do a lot of track meets where I run in the 800 meter, 1500 meter, and mile races. I have run nine marathons, and have won several awards, both national and international, and set a world record on my 60th birthday, for the 800 meter. My time was 2.14.75 (two minutes and 14.75 seconds), which was about 2 seconds faster than the record I broke (which is really great). I recently ran at the National Championships in Maryland. I ran the mile in 6.07 minutes, and won the gold medal. I also set the national record for the 800 meter in the 70 and up age group. My time was 2.33.36 (two minutes and 33.36 seconds).
Q: You've also run several races in Bermuda. What's the attraction there?
A: I visited Bermuda in 1977 and loved it. I ran in a 10 kilometer race there in 1979, and I have run the same race every single year since then, save the year my first wife passed. Bermuda has made me an honorary citizen and has given me the Sergeant of Arms flag, something usually given to dignitaries.
Q: So which do you prefer? NYC or Bermuda?
A: Haha...I would say they are equal. I might say Bermuda, because the country appreciates running more.
Q: Why?
A: Well, Bermuda is a small island with good air and good water, and in Bermuda, there is no pollution from factories. In terms of health, the country has everything you could want and it also has good places to train. Being on the water doesn't hurt either.