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Seventy-year-old wins gold in 50-km marathon

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Helmut Mueller of 100 Mile House placed first in the 50-kilometre class for the male 70-74 age class at the Cariboo Gold Rush Marathon on Feb. 12.

Local resident Helmut Mueller may be a senior, but he is still a going concern.

Competing in the Cariboo Gold Rush Marathon on Feb. 12, Mueller placed first in the 70-74 age group in 5:54:33.4.

It was a wonderful day, although the track was a bit slow with the afternoon warm temperature and the wind, says Mueller, 70.

"It is the first time I have competed in the 50-kilometre marathon."

Moving here from Germany 16 years ago, Mueller and his wife Roswitha, have a home that overlooks Horse Lake in 100 Mile House. A lifelong and all-around sportsman, Mueller is impressed with all the outdoor sports the Cariboo has to offer.

"This is the best country in the world. I can go fishing, hunting, swimming, cross-country skiing and water skiing. I just love it." Mueller also plays tennis, golfs, bikes and jogs.

Over the years, Mueller has competed in the BC Cup and B.C. Championships in cross-country skiing and has brought home two silvers and a bronze. He won gold in the 2007 Cariboo Marathon 30 km.

Mueller has also captured gold four times in five disciplines: 3,000 metres running; 50 metres running; shot put; long jump; and 200 metres swimming held at the University of British Columbia.

This energetic and very fit 70-year-old is already planning on competing in next year's marathon.