Clinton Runs but Can’t Hide From Birthday Well-Wishers

If President Clinton wanted to forget his 47th birthday Thursday, he was out of luck.

There were two parties to mark the occasion, one with Vice President Al Gore’s wife, Tipper, who turned 45, and another on Martha’s Vineyard, the island off Massachusetts where the President will vacation until Aug. 29.

And there were two celebrations earlier: a surprise party thrown by his staff last week and a dinner with about 40 friends Tuesday night in Fayetteville, Ark.

Clinton and Mrs. Gore exchanged gifts at a party in the vice president’s office. He gave her a portable compact disc player for her jogs; the Gores gave the President a tie, jazz CDs and two books: a tabletop book on PGA golf courses in America and a biography of Thomas Jefferson.

As if to dispel any idea that he is slowing down at age 47, Clinton opened his day with an extra-long jog. He ran nearly four miles from the White House to Arlington Cemetery and back--about a half-mile farther than usual.

At one point, he paused to shake hands and pose with children and was greeted with a “Happy Birthday” from well-wishers.

After a day in the office, Clinton left the White House for the flight to Martha’s Vineyard, where Vernon E. Jordan Jr., a close friend and adviser, was throwing a party Thursday night.