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PHOTOS: Runners Over the Age of 70 Line Up for DUMBO Exhibit

By Janet Upadhye | February 5, 2015 7:33am
 “Racing Age” at United Photo Industries was shot by Angela Jimenez.
PHOTOS: Runners Over the Age of 70 Line Up for DUMBO Exhibit
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DUMBO — A new photography exhibit in DUMBO proves that competitive running is possible at any age.

Photographed by Angela Jimenez over four years, the latest show at United Photo Industries, "Racing Age," documents competitive runners at track meets across the United States and Italy — and all of the subjects are over 70-years-old.

The exhibit consists of 14 black and white photos shot with medium format film, which Jimenez found to be a metaphor for the project itself.

"Using film helped me to slow down," she said. "And then that speed felt harmonious with the subject matter."

The shots — which are designed to show what the body is capable of at an older age, according to Jimenez — also capture the spirit of competition.

"That was the thing that struck me the most and made me interested in this project — the competition," she said. "There is such an intensity there, like they are competing against age and time.

"I couldn't keep my eyes off them."

One athlete, Seymour Duckman, 88, was particularly moving for Jimenez to watch.

When she shot him, Duckman had just undergone his eleventh chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer and had also survived prostate, colon and kidney cancer. Duckman has now passed away but his intensity remains in Jimenez's memory and on her prints.

"It is inspiring and brave, but also uncomfortable," she said. "In that way, looking at who they are and what they are doing feels challenging."

"Racing Age" is on display at United Photo Industries, located at 111 Front Street Suite 204, through Feb. 16.