Ages • Vernon, 68; Barbara, 65.

Home • West St. Louis County.

Occupations • Vernon is a retired accountant; Barbara is a retired physical education instructor.

What they did • After 16 years of marriage, they've run 1,400 races together without injury.

How • Cross training and staying in good physical condition.

Total races • Through Sunday, Vernon has run in 2,229 races; Barbara has run in 1,718 races.

First races • In 1985, Vernon was 43 when he ran the American Cancer Society West Port 5K. In 1994, Barbara was 49 when she ran the Fourth of July VP Fair 3K.

Marathons • Vernon has competed in eight marathons; Barbara, seven. They ran their last marathon in January 2004.

Note • At Saturday's 5K Race for a Child and the St. Raphael the Archangel Watermelon Festival 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, Barbara finished first in her age group in both 5K races. Vernon reports, "I finished."