Some have been running for decades; others took it up later in life. All are in elite company: Runners over 65 made up fewer than 3 percent of all marathon participants in 2023. And runners over 75? Not quite .3 percent. So what keeps some of the world’s most inspiring amateur athletes committed after a whole lot of years, miles, and worn-out trainers? Good health, sure. But also clarity and camaraderie, family and tradition, and maybe the promise of post-race beer and saki. Click through to see more of Jake Chessum’s inspiring photographs. 

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JAKE CHESSUM

VOLKMAR WENTZEL

The great lengths the Post Office will go to deliver mail

In the 1950s, no company on earth could match the extent of the Post Office's far-flung operations or approached the number of transactions it conducted with the public. Fascinated by the breadths of its operations—and their complexity—National Geographic set about documenting them.

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by Sidney Madden and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant. Thanks for reading! Did someone forward this to you? Sign up for all our newsletters here. 

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