I’ve run the wineglass in upstate ny and the Erie marathons. I may run another marathon at some point but this year I’m planning my first ultra instead 😬🤞🏻
I ran the Twin Cities Marathon a few years ago, and I just signed up for the 50th anniversary of Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN. Starting training now, and I'm praying for an early spring in MN.
I ran my first marathon in 1981 in Honolulu. Said I'd never do another! 9 marathons later (Marine Corps in 2005) I retired from marathons as it was taking too long to train (65 years old). Now at almost 86, my longest race is the half which I thoroughly enjoy. My PCP says I don't have arthritis in my knees because my running keeps them lubricated!
This “South Florida Boy” went “up the coast” to Melbourne tomorrow do his 144th half. It was 49 at the start of the race …. Throwaways are great! I have only done 1 marathon … I still believe the 2nd 13 miles are not worth it!
GM Terrell -- I have run 7 marathons since 2020 and I registered to run the LOndon Marathon VIRTUALLY the last Sunday in April --- not sure maybe I just felt it was the next step after running a half back in April 2018.
My husband and I are running Tokyo in a few weeks. That will be number 5 of the original 6 world marathon majors. We will just need Boston to finish them all. Of course I signed up for the NYC lottery, and probably will every year until I can no longer complete the distance. I would like to do Chicago again sometime too. There are a few others in Europe I'd like to do as well, but not sure if that will happen. At this point, I'm going to keep doing my strength work so that I can try to make it to all of those start lines. If the marathon becomes too much, I hope that I will still be able to run half marathons.
Stacy! Tokyo! I think I knew this but I’m amazed all over again — that you have five of the six is so, so impressive. Take tons of pictures and share them with us when you get back!
I ran my first and only marathon at 79 (only started running at 75). I have wanted to do another, but when I consider the training and body toll, not sure. I rather do my 10-12 halfs per year than another full. Though I still think about it even at 84. I guess that I can dream, but I am proud to have done one.
I wanted to start early as my daughter is a marathoner, however my doctor cleared me with the comment that it would cost me my knees. unfortunately, I listened to her. At 75, I said what the hell, it is now or never. it took me two weeks to run a mile without stopping. and as they say, the rest is history. I got addicted to it.
Since the full, I have done several (I call senior marathons), that is Saturday and Sunday halfs, back to back. I find them challenging but not too taxing.
I started running longer than 5k distances only in my 30s but ran my first marathon at 45 (Marine Corps Marathon). Fast forward 10 years and I’ve run the same race several times but no other marathon. This year I will be running the NYC marathon in November. Super pumped and keeping fingers crossed that I make it with no work/life-related disruptions
It's been a while since I've dropped by here. That marathon subject line snagged my attention, which must mean I'm still drawn to the distance. I ran my first marathon in 2024, which was only a success in that I actually finished. In 2025, I improved my time by over 2 hours and was so proud of my effort/progress. I'm now recovering from a herniated lumbar disc, which my physical therapist assures me is not from running. (Mild scoliosis, post-pregnancy issues, and leg length discrepancy is more of the issue.) I'm working hard on alignment and stability in hopes of returning to running. I'm not sure if another marathon is in my future, but I have hope.
Hi Melissa! Really good to see you around here again! I hear you about being drawn to the distance; part of me still is, even though I haven't run one in 25 years. And let me say -- wow! An improvement of two hours is phenomenal -- that's amazing! How is the recovery going?
Thank you! Recovery is humbling. I am at least able to water jog and so grateful for that. I look forward to seeing what's next for you! Lots to think about.
I have run 7 marathons (5 Marine Corps & 2 Vermont City), at least 1 in my 30s, 40s, 50s & 60s, but at 75 I’m pretty sure I’m done with that distance, especially since u didn’t do one when I turned 70. I still like the half and have run at least one ever since my last full back in 2014.
Honestly, I had absolutely no interest in running a marathon
.. until I did!
As a expatriated but die-hard New Yorker I submitted my lottery ballot entry year after year knowing the odds were slim I'd ever get in. When I saw a $ charge on my my credit card I panicked thinking I'd been hacked. Then when I found out I'd won a spot on the starting line,
..And that's when I REALLY Panicked.
Still I trained like a 'mutha' and felt good prepared for the run, despite the weather forecast (77°F.. the hottest Marathon on record)
Felt good until mile 16, then agony crept in and stayed with me all the way until I limped over the finish line.
I was sure that was my 'One-and-done'..
Fast forward to now: I'm preparing for my 3rd marathon !
I ran NYC in 2022. Dickensian experience: ("it was the best of times, it was the worst of times"). But ,what countless others have said before is true: "The crowd will pull you through"
I've raced or paced 10 marathons, and I have special memories from each. But after I got my first taste of trail and ultra running in 2019, it's been hard to get excited about running 26.2 miles on the road. I enjoy training for a marathon, because everything is so measured and precise. However, what really gets me out of bed is the opportunity to run in the mountains and get closer to nature.
Current count is 116 marathons and ultra's. Signed up for 2 more at the end of the month. Now, I run 1/2's and 10k's and 5k's too and love them all. honestly, struggle a bit with balance in my life, because I like to hike too
My first marathon was in Los Gatos in 1986, and then I ran Chicago in 1992. Then it wasn't until 2005 that I got really into running again, kicked off by a trail race called the Escarpment Trail Run (only 19 miles)
As far as running a marathon, as I have often heard - i’m only half crazy. I don’t see a full anywhere in my future. Before the covid shutdown, I was running 6 halfs per year. I have now radically cut back on that and am focusing on the 10k as my capstone event. I just don’t feel like keeping up the training pace anymore, and have skimmed off about half of my training time to add more strength training instead. Another limiting factor has been dealing with a bunch of orthopedic issues from service-connected injuries over more than 30 years. Since I am now pushing 77, strengthening muscles and bones has taken priority over cardio (which I’m still doing, just not as much).
I hear you, David -- I know I've been needing to add more strength to my own training; I just don't want to to it! I'm out of excuses, though, I know. It's time!
I can't run anymore because of a badly torn hamstring. However, I have run 10 marathons with a best of 2:31:07. I have run only one 1/2. I much prefer the full marathon.
I’ve run the wineglass in upstate ny and the Erie marathons. I may run another marathon at some point but this year I’m planning my first ultra instead 😬🤞🏻
I ran the Twin Cities Marathon a few years ago, and I just signed up for the 50th anniversary of Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN. Starting training now, and I'm praying for an early spring in MN.
Right there with you, MacKenzie!
I ran my first marathon in 1981 in Honolulu. Said I'd never do another! 9 marathons later (Marine Corps in 2005) I retired from marathons as it was taking too long to train (65 years old). Now at almost 86, my longest race is the half which I thoroughly enjoy. My PCP says I don't have arthritis in my knees because my running keeps them lubricated!
This “South Florida Boy” went “up the coast” to Melbourne tomorrow do his 144th half. It was 49 at the start of the race …. Throwaways are great! I have only done 1 marathon … I still believe the 2nd 13 miles are not worth it!
144! Dave, this is amazing!!!
My goal is 150 by years end
GM Terrell -- I have run 7 marathons since 2020 and I registered to run the LOndon Marathon VIRTUALLY the last Sunday in April --- not sure maybe I just felt it was the next step after running a half back in April 2018.
My husband and I are running Tokyo in a few weeks. That will be number 5 of the original 6 world marathon majors. We will just need Boston to finish them all. Of course I signed up for the NYC lottery, and probably will every year until I can no longer complete the distance. I would like to do Chicago again sometime too. There are a few others in Europe I'd like to do as well, but not sure if that will happen. At this point, I'm going to keep doing my strength work so that I can try to make it to all of those start lines. If the marathon becomes too much, I hope that I will still be able to run half marathons.
Can’t wait to hear about Tokyo
Stacy! Tokyo! I think I knew this but I’m amazed all over again — that you have five of the six is so, so impressive. Take tons of pictures and share them with us when you get back!
I ran my first and only marathon at 79 (only started running at 75). I have wanted to do another, but when I consider the training and body toll, not sure. I rather do my 10-12 halfs per year than another full. Though I still think about it even at 84. I guess that I can dream, but I am proud to have done one.
Viktor that's so awesome!! What was the marathon you ran at 79? And what spurred you to take up running at 75?
Presque Isle at Erie, Pa.
I wanted to start early as my daughter is a marathoner, however my doctor cleared me with the comment that it would cost me my knees. unfortunately, I listened to her. At 75, I said what the hell, it is now or never. it took me two weeks to run a mile without stopping. and as they say, the rest is history. I got addicted to it.
Since the full, I have done several (I call senior marathons), that is Saturday and Sunday halfs, back to back. I find them challenging but not too taxing.
And I find that the more that I run, within reason, the better my knees are.
I started running longer than 5k distances only in my 30s but ran my first marathon at 45 (Marine Corps Marathon). Fast forward 10 years and I’ve run the same race several times but no other marathon. This year I will be running the NYC marathon in November. Super pumped and keeping fingers crossed that I make it with no work/life-related disruptions
I'm 'jelly', trust me You're going to LOVE NYC! Good Luck!
Have you started training for it yet?
Soon! Waiting for end of sub-zero temps for my weekend long runs
Fingers crossed for you here, Rupa! Can't wait to hear how it goes 🙌
It's been a while since I've dropped by here. That marathon subject line snagged my attention, which must mean I'm still drawn to the distance. I ran my first marathon in 2024, which was only a success in that I actually finished. In 2025, I improved my time by over 2 hours and was so proud of my effort/progress. I'm now recovering from a herniated lumbar disc, which my physical therapist assures me is not from running. (Mild scoliosis, post-pregnancy issues, and leg length discrepancy is more of the issue.) I'm working hard on alignment and stability in hopes of returning to running. I'm not sure if another marathon is in my future, but I have hope.
Hi Melissa! Really good to see you around here again! I hear you about being drawn to the distance; part of me still is, even though I haven't run one in 25 years. And let me say -- wow! An improvement of two hours is phenomenal -- that's amazing! How is the recovery going?
Thank you! Recovery is humbling. I am at least able to water jog and so grateful for that. I look forward to seeing what's next for you! Lots to think about.
I have run 7 marathons (5 Marine Corps & 2 Vermont City), at least 1 in my 30s, 40s, 50s & 60s, but at 75 I’m pretty sure I’m done with that distance, especially since u didn’t do one when I turned 70. I still like the half and have run at least one ever since my last full back in 2014.
Oh wait -- I misread. So you ran them in the previous decades... got it 🤪
Wait -- so Jim, you ran all 7 of your marathons *after* your turned 70?! Wow...
Honestly, I had absolutely no interest in running a marathon
.. until I did!
As a expatriated but die-hard New Yorker I submitted my lottery ballot entry year after year knowing the odds were slim I'd ever get in. When I saw a $ charge on my my credit card I panicked thinking I'd been hacked. Then when I found out I'd won a spot on the starting line,
..And that's when I REALLY Panicked.
Still I trained like a 'mutha' and felt good prepared for the run, despite the weather forecast (77°F.. the hottest Marathon on record)
Felt good until mile 16, then agony crept in and stayed with me all the way until I limped over the finish line.
I was sure that was my 'One-and-done'..
Fast forward to now: I'm preparing for my 3rd marathon !
Q this is amazing! When did you run NYC?
Thanks, Terrell.
I ran NYC in 2022. Dickensian experience: ("it was the best of times, it was the worst of times"). But ,what countless others have said before is true: "The crowd will pull you through"
I've raced or paced 10 marathons, and I have special memories from each. But after I got my first taste of trail and ultra running in 2019, it's been hard to get excited about running 26.2 miles on the road. I enjoy training for a marathon, because everything is so measured and precise. However, what really gets me out of bed is the opportunity to run in the mountains and get closer to nature.
It's not hard to see why you feel this way -- especially the beautiful places you run, John!
Current count is 116 marathons and ultra's. Signed up for 2 more at the end of the month. Now, I run 1/2's and 10k's and 5k's too and love them all. honestly, struggle a bit with balance in my life, because I like to hike too
Wow that’s amazing
HOLY SHNIKES!!! Wow, I'm in awe. When did you start running all these marathons?
My first marathon was in Los Gatos in 1986, and then I ran Chicago in 1992. Then it wasn't until 2005 that I got really into running again, kicked off by a trail race called the Escarpment Trail Run (only 19 miles)
As far as running a marathon, as I have often heard - i’m only half crazy. I don’t see a full anywhere in my future. Before the covid shutdown, I was running 6 halfs per year. I have now radically cut back on that and am focusing on the 10k as my capstone event. I just don’t feel like keeping up the training pace anymore, and have skimmed off about half of my training time to add more strength training instead. Another limiting factor has been dealing with a bunch of orthopedic issues from service-connected injuries over more than 30 years. Since I am now pushing 77, strengthening muscles and bones has taken priority over cardio (which I’m still doing, just not as much).
Keep moving and thank you
I hear you, David -- I know I've been needing to add more strength to my own training; I just don't want to to it! I'm out of excuses, though, I know. It's time!
2:31:07 at the Paavo Nurmi Marathon in Hurley, WI. Also 2:31:54 at the Drake Relays marathon.
I can't run anymore because of a badly torn hamstring. However, I have run 10 marathons with a best of 2:31:07. I have run only one 1/2. I much prefer the full marathon.
Wow! Ronald that's seriously, seriously fast -- where/what race did you set that time?