There are some data issues I need to flag before writing this recap.

The "moves" data appears to belong to a different athlete — it references women's gender place and a women's split, but Gary Smith is a man in M70-74. This looks like a data mix-up from another finisher's record. I won't include it in Gary's recap since it clearly doesn't apply to him.

Run the Parkway Half Marathon: Gary Smith Owns M70-74

• Sole finisher in M70-74: Gary Smith, Penryn, CA — 2:17:45
• Pace: 10:30/mi across 13.1 miles on a warm November morning (74°F)

Gary Smith had the M70-74 field entirely to himself on Sunday in Folsom, and he made the most of it — crossing the line in 2:17:45 at a steady 10:30/mi to claim the age group win by default and by merit.

Racing at 70 years old in 74°F heat with humidity pushing 60% is no formality. Conditions that would slow anyone down didn't stop Smith from covering the full half marathon distance at a consistent clip, finishing with his name at the top — and bottom, and everywhere in between — of the M70-74 standings.

Sometimes the story isn't about a battle. It's about showing up, putting in the miles, and getting it done. Gary Smith did exactly that.