Running Strong at 93: Lee McMindes Continues to Inspire at the National Senior Games
At an age when most people have long since retired from physical competition, Lee McMindes is still lacing up his running shoes and chasing finish lines. A proud resident of Cornwall Manor, Lee recently returned from Des Moines, Iowa, where he competed in his second National Senior Games—an event that celebrates athleticism, perseverance and community among older adults.
Held every two years in a different U.S. city, the National Senior Games draw approximately 12,500 athletes across 26 sporting events. Qualification takes place in the off years, and in 2023, Lee made his debut in Pittsburgh. That first appearance was nothing short of remarkable: he won gold medals in both the 5K and 10K races and added three bronze medals in the 400M, 800M, and 1500M events. He missed the silver in the 1500M by just 7/100s of a second—a razor-thin margin that speaks to the fierce competition and Lee’s incredible drive.
This year, competing in the 90–94 age group as a 94-year-old (he will celebrate his 94th birthday in October), Lee was the oldest participant among roughly a dozen runners. He placed fourth in the 5K and earned a silver medal in the mile run, which was held on Iowa State Fairgrounds. The mile event was held at the Iowa State Capitol Building followed by the torch ceremony, a symbolic and celebratory moment that added to the emotional resonance of the Games.
Lee’s six-day stay in Iowa was filled with more than just races. He enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones, sharing stories, encouragement, and laughter. “It’s the camaraderie that makes it special,” Lee said. “Everyone’s here because they love what they do and that energy is contagious.”
Lee’s passion for running spans more than five decades. He began in high school and college and has kept at it ever since. “It keeps me in shape, so I keep moving and keep going,” he says. His weekly routine is a testament to his dedication: every Tuesday, he joins a group of runners at Wildwood Park in Harrisburg for a three-mile run, followed by breakfast at the Front Street Diner—a tradition he’s maintained for 15 years. On other days, he takes advantage of the walking and running trails that surround Cornwall Manor, including the scenic Rail Trail.
Originally from Baltimore, Lee moved with his wife through Reading, Palmyra, Cornwall, Florida and Hummerlstown before settling at Cornwall Manor in 2017. His journey through life has been marked by movement, resilience and a deep appreciation for the simple joy of running.
Whether he’s crossing a finish line or enjoying breakfast with friends, Lee McMindes reminds us all that the race isn’t always about speed—it’s about showing up, staying the course and loving every step along the way.
