CHICAGO (CBS) — He’s one of at least seven people, who have run the Chicago Marathon, since the very first race in 1977.

CBS 2’s Suzanne Le Mignot spoke to a man who shared his special inspiration for running next month, in this Original Report.

Marathon runner Ron Williams is 77 years young. He said he started running, because, “I was porking up and I just had to do something.”

Battling the bulge and winning, Williams has run every Chicago Marathon since it started, and has every medal and one of the early shirts, to prove it.

He said he trains year-round. Some of his tips? He runs three minutes and then walks for two. “That’s right and it makes it so easy. I tell myself, ‘I can always run for three minutes,’ and after that I’ve got the two minute walk. It makes it easy.'”

Here are a few more tips he gives:



Williams also wears his lucky horns. “It’s my good luck piece. Yes,” He says.

But while his lucky horns will be with Williams this marathon, his wife of 54 years, will not. “My wife’s been taking chemo since last August,” he said. “If she can do that. I certainly can get through a marathon.”

His wife Sue Williams is battling breast cancer for the second time, in 10 years. Her husband Ron says he’s running the race, in tribute to her.

“Never thought of that,” Sue said, crying.

Ron is also raising money for Smile Train during the race. The organization is dedicated to providing cleft lip and palate surgery to children in need around the world.

“Amazing, the work they do. Getting doctors trained and how much they’re able to change the lives of young people,” Ron said.

And Ron will be helping children in need–and honoring the love of his life–with a steady pace, throughout the race.

To support Ron Williams, visit the Smile Train website.