12/22/2024
In preparing for this year's race, which will celebrate the life of race founder Gary W. Verhoorn, I asked his friend and business partner Kathy Letterman to write a bit about Gary for our race guidebook. I found the story so inspirational that I wanted to share it sooner.
Gary W Verhoorn was a man of character who valued health, family and community. There are so many wonderful accomplishments to share about Gary, but we thought it would be best to share his mindset that you can start anything new at any age.
Gary’s fitness journey began at the age of 45. He went out for a walk one day and was frustrated that he could not get to the end of his (short) street without needing a break. He had not realized how much he neglected his health. That evening, he made a promise to himself to go for a walk every day. Each time, he would take a few steps further than he had the night before. On nice days, he’d walk from the train station to his office instead of taking the bus and he’d notice he was just getting to the bus stops as the bus he would be on would pull away. He challenged himself to beat the bus to each stop. These walk/jogs turned into regular running around his neighborhood. Fellow runners he met recommended that he cross train with a bike to protect his joints. Soon, his new association of athletes encouraged him to take swimming lessons and join them in triathlons, which he ultimately completed 7 Iron Man competitions.
In 2000, Gary created the Resolution Run 5K on New Year’s Day as a way for the community to come together to begin new, healthy habits. He was encouraging to all who would walk, run, or do anything to improve their health. He would often offer to join in at your speed just so he could give you encouragement along the way.
When he retired from NJ Transit in 2003, he enrolled in massage school. He found that massage helped him with his Iron Man training, and he wanted to give the gift of massage to his community athletes. January 2004, he formed Hillsborough Massage Therapy LLC; a group practice of professionally trained massage therapists.
In 2018, Gary broke his hip and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He was frustrated that he could no longer run; but fortunately, he was introduced to Rock Steady Boxing. He became passionate about boxing as it allowed him to share his love of exercise. He passed peacefully on January 17, 2024 at home. He is survived by his wife MG, daughter and son-in law Tara and Dominick, and granddaughter Mia.
On this New Year’s Day, he’d want you to know that you are never too young or too old to start something new.
