Orville Rogers celebrated his 100th birthday by running 100 miles with his family over the weekend.
His birthday was officially on Tuesday but the Dallas man told Inside Edition that he had already been celebrating for days in advance.
The festivities culminated with a family run that saw a group of 34 members spanning four generations covering a combined total of 100 miles at White Rock Lake in Dallas.
Rogers, who got bitten by the running bug in his 50s, joined in to run the last stretch.
"I never would have thought I'd live long enough to have 32 to 34 people here today," he told WFAA.
"How wonderful it is, how great it is, to be alive," he said.
Rogers is a passionate runner who has drawn widespread attention for numerous sporting achievements as well as for a book he authored, "The Running Man," according to his website.
However, it is his story of overcoming the odds and defying his age to run that has earned him a place in the heart of Americans.
It all began when he read Dr. Kenneth Cooper's best-seller "Aerobics," which presents a plan for longevity through combining exercise, healthy eating and a holistic way of life, Inside Edition noted.
As soon as he finished the book, Rogers laced up his running shoes and hit the road to run, unconcerned by the fact that he was 50 years old.
"Exercise is good for a good life and a long life," he told Inside Edition.
Rogers, who is a retired military, commercial and missionary pilot, gradually increased his distance and began competing in marathons.
According to Runners World, he claimed 13 age-group world records on the track throughout his 90s and continues to compete today.
"I love the thrill of preparation and training," he told Runner's World.
"When I compete, I am not just running against the people out on the track at that moment, I am running against everyone who has run the event before me. That is gratifying to me."
It made sense that Rogers would celebrate his 100th birthday by doing what he loved most.
Surrounded by family members, who all wore light blue shirts featuring an image of his face on the front, Rogers led the partygoers through the final stretch of their 100-mile relay on Saturday, ABC News said.
The day ended with family members presenting Rogers with a cake complete with the number 100 on top, and singing happy birthday to him.
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