Running wasn't just a hobby for Bill Michaels.

It was his passion, and it may have helped prolong his life.

Michaels, who grew up in Auburn and returned home each summer to participate in the Great Race, passed away on July 31 in Denver, Co. He had battled Stage IV inoperable lung cancer for two and a half years. He was 54.

Despite his illness, Michaels kept running. On a lengthy flight to China, he went to the restroom and ran in place.

In the summer of 2005, Michaels had surgery to attach his lung to the lining of the lung cavity. He ran two miles that morning.

While in the hospital, with suction machines draining fluid from his chest, he'd get out of bed and run in place.

For 19 years, Michaels ran. He never missed a day. Until a week before he died, the streak held strong.

“He was always wanting to compete,” said Bills' brother Lee Michaels. “There were various aspects of his illness that were making it pretty difficult but he continued to run without interruption.

“He was very concerned how he was going to maintain his streak.”

As a chubby college student at Syracuse University, Michaels gave up smoking and took up running. He hadn't smoked in 31 years prior to his diagnosis of lung cancer.

But during those three decades, Michaels developed an intense passion for fitness. He ran over 25 full marathons. He swam at least a mile a day. And he rarely missed a Great Race.

In 2005, he ran. Last year, he biked. This year, he wanted to canoe.

“He was still planning on coming until (July 26),” Lee said. “He was going to fly here, stay with my family (in Skaneateles) and it was his hope to compete in the Great Race. He figured he'd canoe. He was going to sit in the front of the canoe with his friend, Nick Hartnett.”

But a few days before he was set to leave for Auburn, Michaels was back in the hospital after another heart episode. He would pass away a few days later.

At his memorial service in Denver, nearly all of the 800 seats were filled, including numerous Auburn residents and former Colorado Gov. Dick Lamm.

“Not only did he make a lot of friends, he somehow held on to all of these friends,” Lee said. “So many people from all around the country would refer to him as their best friend.”

Along with the running, Michaels was known for his ever-present optimism. He remained positive, even in the face of a lethal illness. And no matter what obstacles he faced, he always found time for his passions.

According to Lee, it's for these reasons that Bill lived as long as he did.

“The statistics for Stage IV inoperable lung cancer are bleak at best,” Lee said. “We were told he might make it five or six months - those were the typical stats. But he made it two and a half years and I have to believe it's because he was a runner.”

In fact, if he wasn't a runner, Michaels probably wouldn't have discovered his illness as soon as he did.

During a marathon in Phoenix, he couldn't figure out why he was experiencing shortness of breath. He was the model of fitness and had run every day for years.

These symptoms were new to him. Within a month, Michaels got himself checked out by a physician and was ultimately diagnosed with lung cancer.

“If he hadn't been a runner, he wouldn't have thought twice about those symptoms,” Lee said. “Most people would have a difficult time breathing during a marathon. But Bill knew something was wrong and it led to his early diagnosis.”

While Michaels absence will be felt by many at Sunday's race, his story can serve as inspiration to many.

“He lived life on his terms,” Lee said. “A constant theme was this guy always had this incredibly positive, sunny outlook on life. He loved life and lived life on his terms and never gave up.”

Michaels is survived by his wife, Laura, their children, Anna, 18, Grace, 14, and Henry, 8; and his brothers Lee and Jim.