Running a 26.2 mile marathon is a challenge for even the most experienced of athletes. So I was pretty much blown away when I heard the story of 91-year-old Harriette Thompson, who not only participated in this past Sunday's Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon, but also totally outpaced her competition. Wow! And to think, I get tired running up the stairs to my apartment (granted it's a five floor walk-up … but I bet Thompson could take 'em, no sweat).
The North Carolina woman finished the course in seven hours, seven minutes, and 42 seconds, shattering the marathon distance record for women in the 90-94 year old category by more than AN HOUR AND A HALF. Her average pace? Sixteen minutes a mile. Maaan…she didn't just outrun her competition, she totally smoked them!
But what makes Thompson's amazing accomplishment even more incredible? Read on to find out!
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According to ABC News, Thompson recently underwent nine rounds of radiation on her legs for cancer treatment. But not only did she still run the race, she raised more than $90,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training while doing so! This lady is seriously my hero.
This is Thompson's 15th (!!) time running this particular race, with her first time taking place in 1999 when she was 76. Now, she says she's planning to rest up for a few days before beginning training all over again in hopes of running even faster next year. Good for her!
Thompson is absolutely incredible and such an inspiration for all of us. She proves that how old (or young) you act and feel is up to you and that you can only accomplish as much as you're determined to. I hope to see her smashing records again next year.
[ABC US News](http://abcnews.go.com/us) | [ABC International News](http://abcnews.go.com/international)
Image via Getty Images
