Rain or shine, the Empire State Senior Games were going to happen. YNN's Erin Clarke was at SUNY Cortland Saturday as seniors took part in track and field events.

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CORTLAND, N.Y. -- Despite the rain they laced up their flats and took to the track.

"Nothing holds us back. You know rain or shine, you know sunshine we're here," said Sandra Teague, 54.

For some, like Andy Branch, this is a can't miss event. He's been running at the games for 25 years.

"It gives the seniors the opportunity to keep doing what they've been doing all their life, so it's really a big thing," said Andrew Branch, 79.

The supporters are just as dedicated as the men and women who compete in the Empire State Games. Branch's daughter was among many who grabbed umbrellas and rain coats and cheered the athletes on.

"He's almost 80 and he's still striving for perfection, which I think is wonderful at his age and a lot of other individuals here that are older than him and I think it's just a blessing to be able to get up and move, let alone run," said Della Branch-Bullock.

In the Empire State Senior Games there are medals and many are hoping for the gold.

"The competition is stiff. It's always tough. Everybody wants to win, nobody wants to lose," said Branch.

Even if first place eludes them, the participants still walk away with something valuable.

"I see so many role models here, so many age factors. I want to be like them when I turn 80 or 90, so it's awesome," said Teague.

Track and field is just one of many events that athletes participate in at the Empire State Senior games. The games wrap up Sunday.