While many individuals approaching their 70th birthday might choose to celebrate with a family gathering, an international trip, or an elaborate dinner, Dennise Demming has opted for a unique and inspiring way to mark this milestone. An enthusiastic runner for several decades, Demming will host a 7K race on November 16 at 6 am, starting at The Harvard Club near Nelson Mandela Park in St Clair. The route will encompass the Queen’s Park Savannah and Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook before returning to the starting point. Demming, a dedicated member of the TT Road Runners for over 20 years, has garnered significant support for the event, including from her son, Dr. Keita Demming, who is traveling from Canada to participate. The primary objective of the race is to encourage individuals to prioritize their health. Demming highlighted the concerning prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Trinidad, emphasizing the societal impact of poor physical fitness. She expressed her concern over the rising number of illnesses and deaths linked to lifestyle choices, which motivated her to organize this event. Demming also stressed that people often delay taking their health seriously, and she hopes to inspire at least 200 participants to join the race. The event is open to everyone, not just her family and friends. Reflecting on her own journey, Demming shared that at age 40, she realized her health was deteriorating and decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle, which led her to complete ten marathons over the years. She has also participated in marathons in Cuba and Canada. To make the event inclusive, Demming has arranged virtual races for friends in England, Canada, and Barbados, allowing them to participate simultaneously in their respective countries. Those interested in supporting Demming’s initiative can register at www.raceroster.com.
