Harriette Thompson, 91, Completes San Diego Marathon, Sets U.S. Record
Harriette Thompson (Jerod Harris/Getty Images)
The piece of tape on Harriette Thompson's shirt said it all — "Harriette Age 91."
At 91 years young, Thompson finished the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on Sunday in 7:07:42, which set a U.S. record for her age group (between 90 and 94), according to Runner's World.
Said Thompson to her hometown newspaper The Charlotte Observer: “I can’t believe how big a deal they’re making over me. I felt like a queen for the day.
"It wasn't until around the 17th mile that I was going uphill, and I was thinking, 'Oh, I wonder if I'm gonna make this,'" she added. "But the last few miles, I didn't mind at all."
Thompson averaged 16:20 per mile for the 26.2 miles, which is even more incredible when you factor in that there are burns on her legs from radiation treatments for squamous cell carcinoma that are still healing.
She began running marathons at age 76 and in doing so has raised more than $90,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Team in Training.
Today, she'll be celebrating her 67th wedding anniversary with her husband, 90-year-old Sydnor, back in Charlotte.
"You're never too old to do it," Thompson said, adding that she'll race again next year "if I'm still here."
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