One of the many marvellous things about our sport is that you can stay quick and competitive as you get older. With training and dedication, it’s possible to set PBs in your 50s and beyond, particularly over longer distances such as the marathon. Proving that age is no barrier to great running were a clutch of masters runners at this year’s London Marathon. Here are five that caught our eye…
Yuko Gordon
Age: 72
Time: 3:28:30
The fasters of 99 female finishers over 70, Yuko Gordon has had a storied career. She took part in the first female Olympic Marathon, in 1984, representing Hong Kong and has gone on to become a decorated masters athlete. Her time of 3:28:30 at this year’s London Marathon is close to a world’s best for the over-70s female category.
Jenny Hitchings
Age: 59
Time: 2:45:27
Perhaps the greatest of all masters performances was that of US runner Jenny Hitchings. Just shy of her 60th birthday, Hitchings ran a blistering time of 2:45:27 – that’s 6:19min/miling. Astonishing.
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Mike Sheridan
Age: 73
Time: 2:59:13
The fastest of 224 men over 70, Sheridan’s sub-three time proves age is no barrier to super quick running. Back in 2021, Sheridan became the first over-70 British male to break the magical three-hour barrier, and his time at this year’s race suggests he won’t be slowing down any time soon.
David Picksley
Age: 90
Time: 7:16:46
A true inspiration, Picksley was the oldest finisher at this year’s event. When the London Marathon reporter asked the 90-year-old if he’d be celebrating with a small glass of wine, he said: ‘Yes, I should think so. Might even make it a big one.’ And well deserved, too.
Alice Riddell-Webster
Age: 56
Time: 2:58:45
The first Briton home in the over-50s female category, Riddell-Websters’ time of 2:58:45 is just short of her PB of 2:58:45. The 56-year-old Fulham runner also boasts a half marathon PB of 1:25:29 and 10K best of 38:24.
