Tuesday, 3 June 2014

91 Year Old Woman Won San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon Competition

Harriette Thompson just set a world record for the fastest marathon ever by a woman 90 years or older. She’s 91, and made her mark at the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon. She also became the second oldest marathon finisher in U.S. history. She logged those 26.2 miles in 7 hours, 7 minutes and
42 seconds, most of it in the baking sun.
It’s not as if Harriette is free of health issues.  She had cancer of the palate and significant surgery to remove part of her jawbone and most of her upper teeth.  Subsequently, she has been battling skin cancer.  She had undergone 9 radiation treatments in 11 days, ending those just about four weeks before the marathon.   She covered the wounds from those treatments with white tights and bandages.
Harriette runs for a cause, with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS),  raising money for research to overcome blood diseases and other cancers. She’s raised over $90,000 for them since she began running marathons at the tender age of 76.  Her recent record setter was her 15th marathon.
When interviewed, she said she felt “wonderful”, and “I feel relieved. But I’m interested in getting into a cold shower and falling into bed for a while.”
As for support, she said her 55 year old son, Brennneman,  ran beside her and helped all the way. “Anytime I needed anything, he was there for me”, said Harriette. Her son provided water, vaseline, and nourishment during the day-long ordeal.

It’s hard to imagine anyone doing this at her age, much less fighting cancer at the same time.

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