WATCH ABOVE: Harriette Thompson was the focus of attention Sunday.
SAN DIEGO – A 92-year-old cancer survivor rocked her way into the record books on Sunday, becoming the oldest woman to finish a marathon.
Harriette Thompson of Charlotte, North Carolina, completed the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego, California in 7 hours, 24 minutes, 36 seconds.
She was mobbed by well-wishers as she crossed the finish line.
A classically trained pianist who played three times at Carnegie Hall, Thompson says she mentally plays old piano pieces she had performed to help her get through the 26 miles, 385 yards.
She didn’t begin running marathons until she was in her 70s, after a member of her church approached her about being one of her sponsors in the marathon to raise money to fight leukaemia and lymphoma.
She added she enjoys raising money for cancer research and figures the competition has helped keep her healthy.
WATCH ABOVE: For the 18th year in a row, runners replaced cars on many of San Diego’s roads for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and half marathon. This year’s race featured some familiar faces and a fantastic finish. Steve Price reports.
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