Clad in T-shirt, spandex shorts, running shoes and knee supports, Ann Carter is serious about running.

Mrs. Carter, 63, said community sports leagues were available to girls in England when she lived there 50 years ago. She said she was involved in track and field as a teen. As captain of her high school track team, she was sometimes forced to compete in events for which she had little training, such as the javelin throw or the shot put.

"If one of my people didn't show up, I had to go fill in on their event," she said.

She stopped competing and running at 19 after arriving in America. She said she was pleasantly surprised decades later when she once again donned her running shoes.

"My times were only a little bit slower than from 20 years before," Mrs. Carter said.

She said that seeing her times were still competitive was gratifying.

"Whatever it is I'm doing, I want to do as good as I can," she said.

Mrs. Carter is competing in the Aiken Area Senior Games 2005, which began Monday with a golf competition. The games run through Sunday, Oct. 16. The events include tennis, racquetball, horseshoes and swimming.

The only requirement for participation in the games is to be at least 50 years old, organizers said. Senior athletes from any locale are welcome.

The Aiken games are in their second year. Mrs. Carter said she took part in the inaugural event.

"I think it's very important to get out there and do something, because you have stronger bones and you keep your cholesterol down," Mrs. Carter said.

Reach J.C. Lexow at (803) 648-1395, ext. 106 or jc.lexow@augustachronicle.com.