Eastcastle Place resident completed marathons in every U.S. state and continent worldwide

He has traveled the world by foot and with impressive speed. David Hoffman, a resident of Eastcastle Place senior living community on Milwaukee's eastside, has spent more than 40 years as an avid runner. He has competed in marathons in every state in the U.S. and every continent worldwide.

In the early 80s, Hoffman had a fulfilling but intensive job as the President of Family Services of Milwaukee (now Aurora Family Services). The long-time resident of Bayview recalled that he'd usually come home from a tough day at work and have a martini. "Pretty soon, I was up to almost 200 pounds, and my wife, Debbie, suggested I take up jogging," he said. A neighbor then encouraged him to start racing. He found it to be challenging, healthy, and appealingly competitive. "I'm an alpha personality and loved to compete," he said.

When he retired in 2000, Hoffman decided to run a marathon in every state and continent where he hadn't yet competed.

"We used that as the organizing principle of our travel. It made us go places we normally wouldn't think of going, and we had a great experience at every destination. We'd alternate between an international marathon one year and domestic races the following year."

Hoffman said that for the U.S. marathons, they bought a camper van for travel.

"We'd drive to a section of the country and map out five or six marathons over six weeks. I'd run a marathon every weekend in a different state. This was before there was technology available to help with the planning." By 2002 he'd run in every state, and in 2007 he completed his international destination goals. During his running career, broke many records for Senior Olympics. Hoffman kept running, completing his final marathon when he was 80.

"I developed health problems in 2017 and lost the ability to run fast or long, but I still enjoy getting out and pretending I'm running," he said, adding that he walks or jogs daily.

The Hoffmans moved to Eastcastle Place earlier this year. "We'd both had unfortunate experiences with our parents as they aged, and it was tough on the family," he said. "We decided we wanted to live somewhere we'd have continued support if and when we needed it."

Looking at senior living communities, Hoffman said, the couple favored the eastside location of Eastcastle Place.

"We've always liked this part of town. When dating more than 50 years ago, we'd go to movies and have dinner in the area. We still like to do that. Debbie likes the close proximity to the Ecology Center, and we love being so close to the Lake," he said.

Additionally, Hoffman said, the couple likes the "vibes" at Eastcastle Place. "Many residents are interested in the performing arts, music, and performances. There are always interesting discussions. The people are fascinating and have interesting stories of groundbreaking achievements in their lives," he said, adding, "There are so many things going on here, it's hard to keep track of. We are very happy living here."

With no shortage of events, activities, and a very walkable neighborhood, the Hoffmans look forward to having lots to keep them busy in the long run.

Eastcastle Place

Eastcastle Place is a Life Plan Community located on Milwaukee's vibrant East Side. Eastcastle Place offers independent living, promoting an active and engaging lifestyle for seniors. The Health Center at Eastcastle Place offers assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Eastcastle Place is managed by Life Care Services®. For additional information or to learn more about our Expansion and Renovation Project, call 414-219-1398 or visit www.EastcastlePlace.com.