Life in Motion

75-year-old runner Ken Endris defies age and expectations as an international track star
By Phoebe Warren

Photo by shane darby.

At an age when most athletes have long since hung up their shoes, Ken Endris of Hooks, Texas, is still lacing his up tight. At 75, he’s not just running: he’s competing. Ken sets the example for anyone who has ever been told that they’re too old to chase their passions. 

photos by shane darby.

Ken recently competed in the World Masters Indoor Championships held in Gainesville, Florida. In his age bracket, he finished 12th in the 60-meter race (10.02 seconds), fifth in the 200-meter race (33.26 seconds), and eighth in the 400-meter race (1 minute 20 seconds). He was also selected to run on the USA’s 4x200-meter relay team, which placed second (2 minutes 19 seconds). Around 3,400 adult runners competed across all age brackets.

Left: Ken with his wife, debby. Right: Ken with his family at christmas. submitted photos.

Ken, who served as the principal of the Fouke School District from 2006 to 2021, has enjoyed running since his senior year of high school. He has competed throughout his adult life, repeatedly earning All-American status. “Competing with and against ex-Olympians and nationally-ranked runners motivates me to not become lazy in this lifetime,” he said. Ken explained that he will continue running as long as there’s competition to inspire him. “My philosophy is very simple,” he said. “When you start to exercise and you are a little sore the next day, keep your activity at that same level until you are not sore. Then, you can go further, longer, lift more, or move faster.”