Originally printed in Newport News, Hampton and York County/Poquoson Town Square sections of the DAILY PRESS on April 24, 2014.
Dr. Luke Coker is a modest man. At the age of 76, he was happy to run in last month’s Ukrop Monument 10K race, held in Richmond, because his son Tad and grandson Will were also entered. It would be a chance for three generations of Coker men to compete together. For the semi-retired dermatologist from Hampton, the day was going to be a chance to bond with his family, and to wear his son’s Coker Dental hat during the race.
Although the elder Coker had been running for over 40 years, and even qualified for the Boston Marathon in more serious training days, he had never won any race title.
Until March 29th.
In a testament to the beauty of what can happen when one person defies the realities of growing older, Coker captured the 75-79 age group win at Richmond, covering the 6.2 mile course in an evenly paced 1:02:19, just under ten minutes per mile.
For Coker, the victory was satisfying, but not totally unexpected.
“I came in second (in the age group) last year. Really, (wife) Gloria and I go to the race to see our kids. But after last year’s race, my son (Tad) told me, you ought to train harder because the guy that won is about to turn 80!”
Instead of switching gears, Coker continued his training regimen, which is smooth and repetitive.
Says Gloria, “He’s up at 4:30 every morning and running by 4:45.”
Even his course is carefully planned.
“I run 2-3 miles a day. I like to get out early because of the morning traffic. It can get crazy out there, so I run the same route.”
Weather was not a discouraging factor, as rain and snow became excuses to cross-train with swimming and elliptical workouts added to the mix.
Coker’s introduction to running came early, long before Jim Fixx’s “Complete Book of Running” in 1977 made distance running a fad, which would later become a movement, and eventually a full fledged sport.
“I was in residency in Houston back in 1967, and later working as a submarine medical officer. My first pair of running shoes was a pair of Fred Perry tennis shoes.”
Gloria adds, “I don’t even think Nike was around then.”
The couple eventually settled in Newport News, and according to Gloria, found their new home through geometry.
“I’m from Connecticut and Luke is from South Carolina, so we drew a line between the two and found what was in the middle.”
Settled in their new home, Luke started his post-military medical practice, and upped his weekly running mileage to 75-100 miles per week. There were some races, but nothing serious.
Says Coker, “I ran 4 or 5 marathons,” almost forgetting to mention that his personal best for the 26.2 mile run is 3 hours and 12 minutes, just over a 7:15 per mile pace.
But you qualified for the Boston Marathon?
With typical modesty, he responds, “Yes, but there was a time when they would let all doctors run the marathon (Boston).”
However, there was also a qualifying time, and 3:12 was probably under it.
But there was one aspect of winning the Monument race that stood out for Coker.
“It’s quite a race. You look back from the starting line and it’s humanity as far as you can see.” With over 36,000 entrants, the Richmond race is one of the largest 10K events in America.
“They have parties for the neighborhood, and so much food. It’s amazing that they pull it off.”
So will he defend his title next year?
After a moment of reflection, he calmly says, “If I’m still able.”
Dr. Luke Coker is a modest man. At the age of 76, he was happy to run in last month’s Ukrop Monument 10K race, held in Richmond, because his son Tad and grandson Will were also entered. It would be a chance for three generations of Coker men to compete together. For the semi-retired dermatologist from Hampton, the day was going to be a chance to bond with his family, and to wear his son’s Coker Dental hat during the race.
 |
| Dr. Coker, running with trusted camera perched upon bicycle helmet. |
Although the elder Coker had been running for over 40 years, and even qualified for the Boston Marathon in more serious training days, he had never won any race title.
Until March 29th.
In a testament to the beauty of what can happen when one person defies the realities of growing older, Coker captured the 75-79 age group win at Richmond, covering the 6.2 mile course in an evenly paced 1:02:19, just under ten minutes per mile.
For Coker, the victory was satisfying, but not totally unexpected.
“I came in second (in the age group) last year. Really, (wife) Gloria and I go to the race to see our kids. But after last year’s race, my son (Tad) told me, you ought to train harder because the guy that won is about to turn 80!”
 |
| Three generations of Luke Cokers competed at the recent Ukrop 10K in Richmond |
Says Gloria, “He’s up at 4:30 every morning and running by 4:45.”
Even his course is carefully planned.
“I run 2-3 miles a day. I like to get out early because of the morning traffic. It can get crazy out there, so I run the same route.”
Weather was not a discouraging factor, as rain and snow became excuses to cross-train with swimming and elliptical workouts added to the mix.
Coker’s introduction to running came early, long before Jim Fixx’s “Complete Book of Running” in 1977 made distance running a fad, which would later become a movement, and eventually a full fledged sport.
“I was in residency in Houston back in 1967, and later working as a submarine medical officer. My first pair of running shoes was a pair of Fred Perry tennis shoes.”
Gloria adds, “I don’t even think Nike was around then.”
The couple eventually settled in Newport News, and according to Gloria, found their new home through geometry.
“I’m from Connecticut and Luke is from South Carolina, so we drew a line between the two and found what was in the middle.”
Settled in their new home, Luke started his post-military medical practice, and upped his weekly running mileage to 75-100 miles per week. There were some races, but nothing serious.
Says Coker, “I ran 4 or 5 marathons,” almost forgetting to mention that his personal best for the 26.2 mile run is 3 hours and 12 minutes, just over a 7:15 per mile pace.
But you qualified for the Boston Marathon?
With typical modesty, he responds, “Yes, but there was a time when they would let all doctors run the marathon (Boston).”
However, there was also a qualifying time, and 3:12 was probably under it.
But there was one aspect of winning the Monument race that stood out for Coker.
“It’s quite a race. You look back from the starting line and it’s humanity as far as you can see.” With over 36,000 entrants, the Richmond race is one of the largest 10K events in America.
“They have parties for the neighborhood, and so much food. It’s amazing that they pull it off.”
So will he defend his title next year?
After a moment of reflection, he calmly says, “If I’m still able.”
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