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Bexley: Health issues force Tornes to miss marathon
Nov 03, 2009
Bexley resident Jim Tornes didn't get the opportunity to participate in what was scheduled to be his 50th and final marathon in New York City on Sunday.
Tornes, 79, said a combination of several health issues forced him to check into St. Luke's Hospital in New York City on Saturday morning.
Tornes said he was still dealing with the effects of the dehydration he experienced after the Columbus Marathon last month, which also left him hospitalized.
Another factor was a long-term, pre-existing condition called inner labyrinthitis, an ear disorder that involves irritation and swelling of the inner ear that leaves him nauseated, dizzy and prone to vomiting.
"It was so bad that after lying on the floor at the International House early Saturday morning it became apparent that we should call the (emergency) squad," Tornes said in a phone interview from New York City.
He was transported to St. Luke's, where he watched the marathon on television. Later Sunday, he went back to the International House to recuperate in a suite of rooms reserved by his family for the occasion.
Tornes said he intends to participate in the NYC Marathon next year and several family members already have signed up for the return trip.
Tornes had been excited about participating in his 50th and final marathon in New York City because it also was the site of his first marathon. He ran the New York City Marathon in 1979, when he was 49 years old.
"I was feeling a little nostalgic about being here the last time," said Tornes, who was planning to return home to Bexley this week.
He also has run marathons in Scotland, Virginia Beach, Dallas, Boston, San Francisco, St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and Cleveland.
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