Marathoner, 81, wins in his age group after using a borrowed catheter

Man, 81, finishes race after borrowing a catheter

MINNEAPOLIS — Organizers of the Twin Cities Marathon said they won’t disqualify an 81-year-old runner who won his age group after using a borrowed catheter. Jerry Johncock of Shelbyville, Mich., was sidelined at an aid station about 21 miles into Sunday’s race because a blood clot prevented him from urinating. The aid station had no catheter, but a spectator stepped forward to offer Johncock a catheter he had in his car.

Aides helped insert the catheter and Johncock went on to finish in a little over 5 hours 22 minutes.

Race officials considered disqualifying Johncock because of a rule against improper assistance. But executive director Virginia Brophy Achman said they decided Johncock didn’t break the rule.

She called Johncock “a great role model and example of what you can do as a runner.”

Johncock’s wife, Dorlene, said her husband was cheered by the ruling. She said he found the whole situation a little humorous.