No matter the outcome of the annual Reading Hospital Road Run, Bob Myers always feels like a winner. Since he began participating in the fundraiser in the 1980s, the annual T-shirt awarded to participants has become his trophy.
Now, at age 76, he is looking forward to adding a 26th T-shirt to his collection as he participates in the 2023 Reading Hospital Road Run on Sunday, October 15. “It’s inspiring to me,” said Myers, who worked at Reading Hospital for 25 years, and served as Vice President of Human Resources for 15 years. “I consider myself to be in pretty good shape for my age, and I want to continue living a long and productive life. I think running has helped me do that thus far.”
Ironically, Myers wasn’t always a long-distance runner and turned down the chance to participate when he ran track in high school. A coach tried to convince him to run the mile because of his height and long legs. “I found it too strenuous and exhausting,” he said. In the late 1970s, he started running because he thought it would be a great way to stop smoking cigarettes, and it worked. “I haven’t smoked since because I didn’t want to undo all of the benefits of running by continuing to smoke.”
“I am thrilled that Bob continues to support our team and community,” said Charles F. Barbera, MD, Reading Hospital president and CEO. “He joins us each year for the Reading Hospital Road Run. With his participation, he’s helping us ensure the fundraiser is a success. He is an inspiration to all of us and a reminder that age is just a number. I look forward to running with him every October.”
Myers has been running with the same group of friends for many years. “We joke that we don’t really run anymore. We shuffle now,” he said. “We started by running 5Ks, then signed up for some 10Ks. Before we knew it, we were hooked and graduated to half marathons. We even decided to complete one full marathon together, which we did.”
Myers considers the Reading Hospital Road Run the premier run in Berks County. He encourages runners of all levels to participate in the event because, in his opinion, runners are among the most supportive groups of athletes. On the course you will hear participants sharing stories, tips for improvement, and most importantly, words of encouragement and inspiration to motivate others, he said.
“It is a beautiful route because it's so scenic. There are a lot of runners who participate, and the camaraderie on the course is unmatched. It’s a terrific event,” he said. “When I get out on the course, I know there are runners older than me who are faster than me but I’m not racing them. We’re all in it together. Crossing the finish line is euphoric every time. Runners’ high is a very real feeling.”
The annual Reading Hospital Road Run, sponsored by the Reading Hospital Foundation, includes a Half Marathon and a 5K event that are both chip-timed. Covering a variety of rolling terrains in neighborhoods and local parks surrounding Reading Hospital, the 5K event is open to individuals of all experience levels.
Proceeds from the run will support the McGlinn Cancer Institute Patient Assistance Fund for cancer patients in need. While patients receive surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment at the institute, the fund provides them with financial assistance for non-medical expenses.
To register for the Road Run please visit RHRoadRun.com.
To donate to Reading Hospital’s McGlinn Cancer Institute Patient Assistance Fund, click here.
About Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 697-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across service lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years and has been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals in 2022 and 2023. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.