Who Says Geezer Jocks Can't Get Paid? And A Casting Call From MrBeast.

Ron Friedman, 80, crossing the finish line at The New York City Marathon last Sunday. Ron had a sponsor pay him for marketing. Most of all Ron had a purpose. Please read below.

By Ray Glier

Ron Friedman, 80, was on his feet more than twice as long as many of the other 59,662 runners who started the New York City Marathon last Sunday. He started at breakfast and finished at dinner, 9 hours, 21 minutes on the hard top surfaces of the city. It was his fifth consecutive NYC Marathon.

I have written about Ron before, but his latest race is especially relevant to Geezer Jocks.

When USATF Masters announced a travel support programfor its members this week, a comment on Facebook declared helping Masters athletes with travel expenses was a waste of money. The comment was along the lines of, “Why spend on these older farts with no return on investment?”

Well, slow-poke Ron was sponsored by Kalshi, which paid him $3,500 to wear its gear in the NYC Marathon.

Kalshi, with a market capitalization of $5 billion, is a futures financial firm with interests in 140 countries. The transaction with Friedman was simple. Kalshi bargained it could trade its $ for his story and attract attention.

“They found me,” Ron said. “At first, I thought it was a scam. It wasn’t. They wanted to find somebody that believes in themselves?”

Friedman has broken his neck twice, fought off kidney cancer, and has had serious heart issues. A self-described nerd from Centerport, Long Island, N.Y, he didn’t run his first marathon until he was 76. As a kid on the sandlot, Ron was always the last one picked.

Somebody at Kalshi thought that was a story worth tapping into. Go back and read some Geezer Jock stories. There are good stories out there on the street, like Ron’s. This newsletter allows you to pay attention to ordinary people doing stuff, and how you relate, or I wouldn’t be doing this.

So could a company spend $1,000 on an athlete to help that athlete on a fixed income get to a national event? And could the company do some business on the back of that athlete?

Yes. It’s already happening with small checks and gear being passed to a few Geezer Jocks for sponsorship. It’s not going to uncork a geyser of $ for Masters athletes, but money will be out there now that both political parties recognize “affordability” and “Why are things so damn expensive?” as a shared fight.

**

In his latest NYC Marathon, Friedman sat down once. It was 17 miles into the 26.2-mile trek when his heart rate entered the 130s. His max is supposed to be 121 bpm, he said, because of heart disease. Ron stood back up after several minutes of rest and rejoined the race.

At Mile 20, Friedman took some salt tablets. He downed some gel packs. Mile 20, he said, is when people hit a wall.

“I hit the accelerator,” Ron said. “I could’ve done an ultra marathon.”

Friedman felt a wind at his back or, perhaps, it was karma helping him along. Ron gave $952 of that $3,500 to a friend so the friend could meet the NYC Marathon charity entry fee deadline. Perhaps that is what drove Friedman to an effervescent finish. Giving.

And then there is this pay-it-forward vision driving Ron:

“My reward in life is inspiring others to do their best, at all ages and especially in their senior years,” Friedman said. “Take prudent risks. Dream. Ask ‘what if. . .?’

“I know there’s an end at some point. But fading away into slow oblivion is not the way anyone needs to live after 80. Live like you’re still 40, or 50, or even 60. Overcome illnesses, challenge yourself.”

**

Here’s more proof there is a market for the special talents of Geezer Jocks.

This was pitched to Geezer Jock this week as a contest that includes older people. It is from MrBeast, who is HUGE:

My name is Amy Kernan-Bennett, I’m a Casting Coordinator with MrBeast Youtube.

We’re currently casting for a new ages-based video filming in early December 2025 at our Headquarters here in Greenville, N.C.

We’re currently on the lookout for individuals ranging from 70-100 years old who might be interested in competing in a MrBeast Challenge and we’d love your help in spreading the word to members of your community who might be interested!

About the Project:

Filming takes place during the first two weeks of December in Greenville, N.C.
Participants of ALL ages will compete in a fun, one-of-a-kind challenge for a prize.

No acting experience needed - big personalities encouraged!
If someone not local to our area is selected to participate, all flights, hotels, and travel expenses are covered by us.

This process is free — we will never ask for payment or financial info.

About MrBeast:

With 449M+ subscribers, MrBeast is the world’s leading creator of large-scale, family-friendly videos — such as Ages 1 - 100 Fight For $500,000 & Ages 1 - 100 Decide Who Wins $250,000. Through MrBeast Philanthropy, we’ve also built wells in Africa, rebuilt homes for disaster survivors, and run monthly food programs.

How to Apply:
https://airtable.com/appzLZc65BWnoKZp2/pagsEdu9hozk2FMDc/form
(paste into the browser).

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