Elderly runners pound the pavement

ORANGE, Conn. (WTNH) --  It's the New Year and what better way to kick it off than pounding the pavement.

"I've done it since 2003, at least," said 94-year-old Dr. George Whitney.

Dr. Whitney was one of four runners over the age of 90 who ran in this year's Chilly Chili Run in Orange.

"I'm planning not on falling down today," Dr. Whitney said.

"That's the goal of the day," asked News 8's Ali Reed.

"Yes, last year I fell," Dr. Whitney replied.

He and many others come back year after year to run in the 5K.

"I just know everybody, it's a good race and after last year I'm challenging myself to do it right this year," Dr. Whitney said.

"What brings me out? I like to do this as long as I can," said 91-year-old Betty Hutchinson. "I gave up Manchester because it's too much uphill at the beginning, which is no good for me anymore."

And News 8 had to ask what's the key to staying in such good shape.

"I think you need to just keep running," said Dr. Whitney. "In Brattleboro, Vt. I run a 5K every morning. I stay in shape, I feel great, I don't have an ache or a pain, and I mind as well keep doing it as long as I can."

"I at least walk every day more than 1 mile," said Hutchinson, "but I try to run too if it isn't too slippery."

This year more than 650 runners participated. That's a record for the race in the 16 years it's been going on in Orange.