Newsmaker

Oldest woman to finish marathon, 92, honored

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-04-06 07:14

HONOLULU - Gladys Burrill wasn't thinking about breaking a world record when she power-walked and jogged through the Honolulu Marathon at age 92.

But Burrill, a part-time Hawaii resident nicknamed the "Gladyator", learned soon after finishing the Dec 12 race with a time of nine hours and 53 minutes that she likely qualified for the recognition.

Guinness World Records confirmed Burrill's accomplishment on Saturday, and the Hawaii House of Representatives honored her with a certificate and lei during a ceremony on Monday.

Her advice for others wanting to live a long and healthy lifestyle?

"Just get out there and walk or run," she said. "I like walking because you can stop and smell the roses, but it's a rarity that I stop."

Burrill had been a multi-engine aircraft pilot, mountain climber, desert hiker and horseback rider before she ran her first marathon in 2004 at the age of 86.

She said she was inspired when she saw early morning fireworks kicking off the marathon the year before.

Since then, she's completed five of seven Honolulu Marathons. She dropped out of the race in 2008 just days after the death of her husband of 69 years, and a stomach ailment sidelined her in 2009 halfway through the course.

Burrill said her positive attitude gave her the strength to start running marathons and keep at it. She still walks dozens of kilometers a week, including 72 km last week.

"It's so important to think positive. It's easy to get discouraged and be negative," she said. "It makes such a difference in how you feel and your outlook on everything."

Burrill's feat also has been recognized by the World Records Academy and by USA Track and Field. She eclipsed the previous record held by Jenny Wood-Allen of Dundee, Scotland, who was 90 years old when she completed the 2002 London Marathon.

"This lady has proved to herself, to the world and all of us on this floor that through hard work and inspiration, you can do what you set your heart to do," said State Representative Gene Ward.

Burrill said she doesn't plan to run the Honolulu Marathon again this year, although she's tempted. Instead, she said she'll be cheering at the finish line for some friends in the race.

Associated Press