MILTON, Ga. — More of a walker nowadays, 80-year-old Larry Lascody will participate in his 50th Peachtree Road Race July 4.
The race, which dates to 1970, has grown to be the largest 10K in the world with a capped 60,000 participants. The race, beginning at Lenox Square in Buckhead and ending at Piedmont Park, also includes a wheelchair division.
Larry and his wife Barbara Lascody have made the Peachtree Road Race a family event, booking a hotel that weekend. Over the years, their two daughters and their five grandchildren have participated, and now, their grandchildren’s spouses have since tagged along.
“There’s only one family member that’s never participated,” Larry said, side-eying Barbara who recently had a knee replaced. Larry looks forward to her full recovery in time for next year’s event.
Larry, also an Army veteran, said he has run most of his life as a member of his high school’s track and cross-country teams, then becoming a member of the Atlanta Track Club. He competed as a runner in the Peachtree Road Race until 2019, when he suffered a knee injury.
“I’ve missed the run, and I miss the competition,” Larry said.
He injured his knee while participating in CureSearch’s Ultimate Hike, which raises funds for pediatric cancer research. It was his second time participating, having raised more than $13,000 for the cause across two hikes, the first in 2011.
“It’s an unbelievable experience, very emotional to me,” Larry said.
At the Lascodys’ home in Milton, a room has been dedicated to Larry’s awards with the help of his daughters, who surprised him with walls covered in plaques and shelves holding small trophies. There were also boxes of medals — one containing first, second and third place finishes.
Barbara pulled out a quilt made of T-shirts Larry had received at 30 Peachtree Road Races, and…
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