77-year-old running final Peachtree Road Race in honor of now-passed friend [Video]

Every runner who hits the pavement to take part in the Peachtree Road Race has their own reason for lacing up their shoes for the Fourth of July tradition.

This year will be 77-year-old Cliff DePass’s last time to cross the finish line, and he’s planning on taking on the 6.2-mile stretch with a purpose.

“It’s always been an exciting event to run. I enjoy it – didn’t know I’d be running this long though,” DePass said. 

DePass started running in high school and hasn’t stopped.

“Do the math – I guess I’ve been running for over 50 years,” he said.

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The Peachtree Road Race became a personal tradition for DePass in the 80s, and 2024 will be his 37th time. This last trip, which DePass calls his “race of reflection,” is fueled by special intentions.

“I decided to run in honor of Janet Sharp,” DePass said. “She passed …