If you’ve laced up your running shoes for a race in Wichita, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Gary Steed. Whether he’s cheering on fellow runners, volunteering at an event, or toeing the starting line himself, Gary is a well-known and respected figure in the local running scene. At 72 years old, he continues to embody the spirit of perseverance, community, and joy in motion. As Natural Wellness Physiotherapy’s March Athlete of the Month, we’re excited to share his story.
Gary’s running journey began in the 1970s when he first took up the sport for fitness. Now, over four decades later, he’s still going strong.
“I like to say I rocked the 70s, and I am doing it again,” he says.
For him, running has been more than just exercise—it’s been a means to maintain his health through a long career in public service and now enjoy an active retirement.
While he once loved playing basketball, running has become his preferred way to stay fit.
“You can run alone or with groups (my preferred method). You can generally do it anytime you want. Just put on the shoes and go. No court and no hoop. It requires little skill or monetary investment,” he explains. “It provides great benefits for health and longevity.”
“I enjoy the friendships, social aspects, and the motivation and accountability of the group runs,” he says.
Run Wichita’s mission extends beyond the pavement, providing grants for running programs, organizing shoe giveaways for student track athletes, and putting on popular local races, including the annual Moonlight Madness 10K and the Super Bowl Run.
In 2026, the club will celebrate its 50th year, and Gary is proud to be part of its legacy.
Despite having completed 16 half marathons—his most recent being one of his fastest—Gary’s goal isn’t to chase personal records anymore.
“My running goal is not to run faster or longer distances, but to keep running for many more years. To achieve that, I plan to stay in motion. Motion is magic.”
That magic includes not only running but also cross-training, golf, and perhaps even some pickleball in the future.
Like many lifelong runners, Gary has faced setbacks. A meniscus tear threatened to sideline him, but with the help of Dr. Clayton Dir at Natural Wellness Physiotherapy, he found a path back to running.
“Clayton helped me work through a meniscus tear. A frustrating injury for a lifelong runner. I am back to running thanks to his work and plan to run at least one-half marathon this year,” he shares.
“It’s easy for an amateur to diagnose their own injury and waste time fixing it without success because they misdiagnosed the injury. Clayton is knowledgeable and great at identifying and explaining the fix. I’m hoping Clayton can keep me in motion so I can achieve my goal of running for many more years.”
When asked what advice he has for others looking to improve their fitness, Gary keeps it simple:
“You don’t have to be the ‘beast’ and you don’t have to be the ‘best.’ Make it your own fitness journey in your own way. Enjoy it. Know that not every workout will be great, so be persistent and consistent. Do your best for your future you.”
His philosophy of consistency and enjoyment is one that runners of all ages can embrace. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or your 16th half marathon, Gary’s story is a reminder that movement is a lifelong gift—and that it’s never too late to keep rocking the years.