Two-time cancer survivor Harriette Thompson is the oldest woman to ever finish a marathon at 92 years old.
From Charlotte, North Carolina, Thompson finished the Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon in 7 hours, 7 minutes and 42 seconds, setting a world record for the fastest marathon ever by a woman over 90 years or older.
She beat previous record holder Gladys Burrill who set the record at the 2010 Honolulu Marathon with a time of 9 hours, 53 minutes and 16 seconds when she was 92 years old.
Despite overcoming health and emotional obstacles such as the loss of her husband in January she was able to complete her 16th marathon to a cheering crowd.
When asked how she has continued running at her age, she said: “I put one foot down and then another one. Actually, I don’t know. It’s just I love to run.”
Thompson started running when she was 76 years old and has raised more than $90,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Thompson credits her 56-year old son, Brennaman, for helping her throughout the marathon.
“I believe this will be my last time, but my friends remind me that I say that every year,” Thompson said in a previous statement.
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