Charles Allie goes sub-60 at 69 in 400 at National Senior Games
Results are being posted expeditiously from the National Senior Games in Birmingham, Alabama, but watch out for the errant “W” — signifying world record. For example, Charles Allie ran the M70 400 Thursday, but won’t actually hit the big Seven-Oh until mid-August. But his winning time of 58.48 — though spectacular — is not an M70 world record. (The Senior Games circuit sticks you in the age group you’ll be as of Dec. 31 of the year of competition.) But still — wow! Charles may be be the oldest American to go sub-60 with his mark. (The listed M70 WR is 59.34 by German sprint god Guido Müeller.) The listed M70 AR is Bob Lida’s 61.00 at 2007 Riccione worlds. Lemme know if you spot any records at NSG that really are records.
Charles was a blur at 2013 Olathe nationals, where he ran by himself in M65.
Here are results from Charles’ race:
(The first time is from prelims. The second is from finals.)
Finals
1 Allie, Charles M70 PA 1:01.81 58.48W
2 Cash, Grady M70 TN 1:07.08 1:05.37
3 Pierce, Roger M73 MA 1:09.95 1:06.77
4 Cronkhite, Douglas M71 FL 1:10.87 1:10.71
5 Blair, Kent M74 NM 1:11.64 1:11.82
6 Milewski, Paul M73 WI 1:14.07 1:13.60
7 Bruner, Ron M71 LA 1:17.44 1:16.90
8 Rodriguez, Rey M71 TX 1:19.05 1:19.74
20 Responses
Absolutely incredible!
WOW. Ya know, one of the goals I hear from 400m guys is that they want to run their AGE as their time. Crushed it by a decade! Congrats Charles.
Shockingly fast!
I’m not surprised! Charles is such a superior athlete, and a wonderfully modest human being, as well. I met him for the 1st time this past March in Korea and felt lucky that he didn’t lap me in the Indoor 400 there.
Often on this site I’ll see some “masters” athlete profiled and think “Meh, big deal, 40 nowadays is like 30 back in the day.” But THIS is impressive, Wow! 58.48 at 69/70,that’s crazy! Hats off to Mr. Allie.
Wow, I’m happy to run my weight – lol.
Congrats to Charles for a fabulous performance!
I’m in awe of all of those 69+ year olds. Look at those times!
Big fields and good competition other events, too. I might have to try this one year.
Awesome Charles, in a class by himself.
When is the Senior Games going to hold track events for athletes at their actual age at date of meet like all other masters events?
WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats to “One Speed Charles”…Fast!!
Charles won the 200 today in 25.99 — into a 1.1 mps wind. Not an M65 WR (which he already holds), but still amazing:
Event 65 M70 200 Meter Dash 70-74
=====================
Heat Winner Plus Next Fastest Times Advance
NSGA Record: M 27.40 7/9/2015 Kenton Brown, TX
World Sr Rec: W 26.47 8/10/2015 Glyn Sutton, GBR
Name Age Team Prelims Finals Wind
=====================
Finals
1 Allie, Charles M70 PA 25.65 25.99W -1.1
2 Brown, Kenton M73 TX 29.38 26.90M -1.1
3 Brown, Tyrone M72 DC 27.92 27.38M -1.1
4 Smith, Larry M70 LA 29.13 28.76 -1.1
5 Roddy, James M70 NC 29.62 29.40 -1.1
6 Spencer, Douglas M70 AR 29.03 29.43 -1.1
Agree with Horace Grant — Charles Allie has one speed (fast), and he runs that way in every race from the gun to the finish line.
Note: I’m very impressed that the guy in SIXTH in the M70 race, the redoubtable Doug Spencer, ran 29.43 against a wind of 1.1 meters per second.
Being familiar with the depth of the US Senior Games, I looked back at our last three nationals (Grand Rapids, Jacksonville, and Winston-Salem) to see how many men in M70 broke 30.80. Not clear to me why I chose 30.80, but here goes:
In 2016 (Grand Rapids), helped immeasurably by a wind of 5.2 mps, three men in M70 broke 30.80.
In 2015 (Jacksonville), pushed along by a wind of 2.8 mps, two men in M70 broke 30.80.
Finally, in 2014 (Winston-Salem), with a very slight headwind, two men in M70 broke 30.80.
Second note: I’m aware that Charles was 69 at race time, and Smith, Roddy, and Spencer could have been either 69 or 70 (I do not know), but regardless, the differences are striking.
Slight correction: In 2014, only one man broke 30.80 in the M70 200 race.
Way to go Charles! And in a couple of months when you turn 70 officially, watch out, record book, you got some changes coming!
I only saw him run in the prelims. He ran about 61 seconds but he looked so smooth and effortless. Very impressive!
Charlie, Continues to prove without a question why he is the best athlete in the world. as nick named by the club is one speed. He gives his best in every event, every race. He has become one of my closet friends in track and field. All of the Houston Elite family are looking forward to the next chapter you are going to write in masters track and field. We can’t forget his main supporter, His wife Jackie, she runs every step with him. Love you guys
Well said, Bill. As I observe Masters Track from the shadows. That is truly remarkable.
I do not see why anyone is surprised. Charles has always been very fast and he competes with “Class”.
Look for him to smash many more records in the years to come.
Great people do great things and Charles is truly a “Great Person”.
Can’t say enough good things about Charlie. He’s a class act and fast to boot.
I have spent many hours with Charlie, and I have the honor of having bestowed the nickname of “One Speed” on him. Those hours spent with him have led me to the conclusion that “Prince Charles” is equally descriptive of him. His track abilities and work ethic are displayed on the track for all eyes to see, and yes he is a legend. What many of our fellow athletes may not know is that he is one of the finest people you would ever come into contact with. He is a valued friend to many. From the wide smile to the golden heart, he exudes class at all times. Hence, “Prince Charles”.
There is a an age old saying – “it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy”. It fits in the case of Charles Allie.
Many may not know the story of Charles escorting his elder friend Ray Bower to track meets for many years, or volunteering to run alongside blind runners as a guide in track meets, but folks really should know this side of “One-Speed” too.
My friend Charles, you just keep on conducting life as you always do, and I will continue to emulate the best I can.
Best wishes for making the 70 yo record book look very different!
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