By Julia Boyle

THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Florescent orange sneakers are not the only things that make Harry Drazin stand out. The world champion racewalker is six-footfour, fit, feisty, and 94.

He finishes a set of 50 push-ups in his living room at Seabrook, lifts the sleeve of his black T-shirt that says “Aging Graysfully,” and flexes his bicep. “It toughens you up,” he says.

Racewalking, or “heel-toe” walking, is a competitive style of walking at a fast pace while keeping continuous foot contact with the ground and keeping the supporting leg straight. Racewalkers rapidly pump their arms and move their legs to achieve speed.

Cruising along

Since 1980, Drazin has competed in the sport on every continent except Antarctica and in all 50 states. He has already racewalked the New York Marathon four times.

“I plan to walk the New York Marathon when I’m 100,” he says. At his current rate of training, he’s well on his way.

Every day, regardless of the weather, Drazin completes a series of stretches and strength exercises before he walks a swift pace for two to three miles around Seabrook or the Asbury Park boardwalk.

Aside from push-ups, he does various movements with a set of eight-pound dumbbells. He also completes a few stretches in the climate-controlled walkway that connects his building to another before heading outside.

Tradition of good health

“Exercise is my cup of tea,” Drazin says. Aside from walking, he participates in many other activities, including dancing, golfing, and going to the Shore Athletic Club, where he’s a member.

He says fitness has been vital to his good health, and he has always encouraged his children and grandchildren to try different sports and take lessons. “Stay active and stay fit,” he says. “It’s important.”