Senior Citizen Runner Sets Sights on Finland Competition

Nothing holds truer for West Orange resident Paula Dickson-Taylor than the saying: age is just a number.

At 59 years old, this senior citizen runs competitive track and continues to break records.

Dickson-Taylor has competed in the Senior Games in Houston, TX where she won the gold in the 400 and 800 meter runs and broke the 800 meter record by six seconds; the World Master Games Outdoors in Sacramento, CA where she won third in the 400 meter and fourth in the 800 meter and most recently, she's competed in the 38th Annual Women’s Colgate Series in New York City where she was the oldest competitor.

But the accolades won't stop there, Dickson-Taylor is training for the World Master Indoor Games in Finland in April.

Better known as "Coach Grandma" to her supporters and teammates in West Orange, Dickson-Taylor has been training competitively for the 400 meter and 800 meter dash for more than four years.

Though her rigorous training often has her body ache with physical pain, that the financial burden of travel is far worse.

When gearing up for the World Master Games Outdoors in 2011, she said she paid $160 for her registration, $1,800 for her hotel and about $60 for the inner uniform required by regulations. Airfare ony added to the already hefty total.

"I feel guilty that I deserve what I want to do, but what I want to do is healthy, it’s uplifting," she said last year.

In an effort to support Dickson-Taylor, a 25-year resident of the township, the community is hosting a 60-day fundraiser. From Feb. 1 to March 31, residents can contribute cash to help send Dickson-Taylor off to Finland.

Supporters can donate at a junior level for $25, a platinum level for $100 or an executive level for $200.

To donate, send a check payable to "Paula Dickson-Taylor Run for Fun," to 250-252 Watchung Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052.

Dickson-Taylor will also be attending the West Orange African Heritage Organization's First Friday event at the Manor in West Orange on Friday, March 2 at 7 p.m. She will speak about her challenges and her successes, and will be available to answer any questions at that time. Donations of any amount can be made at this event.