Jim Shimek’s passion for running never fades

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Fifth Seasons Races, held each Fourth of July in Cedar Rapids, is a special race to a lot of runners.

One runner in particular has been involved with this race since it's birth in 1986.

Jim Shimek, of Fairfax, has not ran all 32 years, but he has helped in a way people may not expect.

Shimek was the course director for the first five years of the race.

He actually was involved with this event before its birth.

'I helped measure the course before there was a race,” Shimek said. 'I suppose I've been involved for about 33 years now.”

Measuring a course is a lot more work than people think. Those who measure courses use a tape measure to figure out the shortest possible route available. This determines whether a runner's time can indeed count if they happen to break a record.

Shimek's first Fifth Season running appearance was in 1991.

He's been impressive during all his running years.

In 1991, he finished 41st overall in the 8K. Shimek was first in his division with a time of 27 minutes, 41 seconds. He was 43 years old.

Fast forward 26 years and Shimek still is impressing the crowd.

He won the male 65-69 age group in the 8K this year, finishing 108th overall in a time of 35:57.

He trains for events like these daily.

'Anymore, I run about 35 miles a week,” Shimek said. 'Some speed work, mostly just distance training.”

Running holds great importance to Shimek. He enjoys running because it allows him to 'just get away from everything.”

'I really just love to run,” Shimek said with a smile.