Ron Du Preez isn’t slowing down in his golden years — in fact, he’s picking up the pace. The long-distance walker, runner, and cyclist is on a 50-day campaign to walk 50 kilometers in 50 states, aiming to motivate older adults across the country to embrace movement as a path to health, strength, and independence.
Owensboro will serve as the Kentucky stop on his journey, with du Preez visiting Morning Pointe of Owensboro on May 28-29.
The public is invited to hear du Preez speak at 7 p.m. on May 28 at Morning Pointe, located at 3362 Buckland Square. The next morning, he’ll lead a short, easy walk beginning at 6:30 a.m. before continuing to his next destination.
Known as the Senior Strides campaign, du Preez’s journey has already taken him to places such as Honolulu, Anchorage, and the Hoover Dam. Owensboro is his chosen stop in Kentucky — an honor, say organizers at Morning Pointe.
“Ron is a friend of mine and is doing an incredible thing to show by example the importance of exercise for older adults,” said Franklin Farrow, co-founder and CEO of Morning Pointe Senior Living. “In senior living, we see the value of physical movement for our senior residents in keeping them healthy and happy. Having Ron come and share with our residents and the greater Owensboro community is a good opportunity.”
For du Preez, movement is more than just physical — it’s symbolic. A former professor, full-time clergy member, and volunteer hospital chaplain, he’s also a competitive athlete with titles such as 1993 Tennessee State Racewalking Champion and 2021 Kansas Grandmasters Marathon Champion. Most recently, he became the only person over 70 to complete the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon in under four hours.
Despite his accolades, his mission is grounded in accessibility. He wants older adults to know they don’t have to run marathons — just taking a walk can change a life.
His goal is to show that age doesn’t have to mean limitation. With daily exercise and support from his equally active wife Lynda, du Preez believes seniors can redefine what it means to grow older. He was recognized in the 2025 edition of Who’s Who in America for his lifelong contributions to health and service.
To follow du Preez’s progress or learn more, visit seniorstrides.org.
Morning Pointe of Owensboro offers assisted living and memory care services with around-the-clock staff, personalized care plans, and on-site therapies. The Owensboro location is one of 13 Morning Pointe communities in Kentucky, part of a network of 41 communities across the Southeast.
