Joe Scorsone of Weaverville is not letting old age slow him down. In fact, the runner is ratcheting up his mileage with each passing year.

He did a 40-mile run when he turned 40 and a 50-mile run when he turned 50. And last month, Scorsone ran 60-miles in celebration of this 60th birthday.

“The hardest part was after about 50 miles when I stopped for food or drink and walked while I ate for a short distance,” Scorsone said. “Most distance runners know how difficult it is to start running again. So, it was better for me not to walk any more than necessary.”

Scorsone said he ate very little solid food. He drank sports drinks cut 50 percent with water and de-fizzed coke also cut 50 percent with water at 30 to 45 minute intervals. For food, he ate a Honey Stinger and one banana.

“Nothing any longer was necessary,” Scorsone said. “I always work on my running form to make it as relaxed as possible. With good form, longer distances are a state of mind.”

Scorsone is upping the stakes as the decades pass by and expects to be able to run 70 miles on his 70th birthday.