LOS ANGELES, 5 June (BelTA - Xinhua) - Harriette Thompson, 94, set record Sunday noon at the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon in San Diego, as the oldest woman to complete a half-marathon.
Thompson, wearing purple T-shirt and white hat, was surrounded by photographers and players when she reached the final line, finishing her incredible journey in an official time of 3 hour, 42 minutes and 56 seconds.
The previous record was held by Gladys Burrill, who ran a half marathon at 93 years old in 2012.
Thompson, a two-time cancer survivor, broke the world record in 2015 as the oldest woman to complete a full marathon.
"I never thought I would still be here!" Thompson told local NBC7 before the match, saying she ran to raise money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
Through the years, she had raised 100,000 U.S. dollars for the organization, including 15,000 U.S. dollars in 2017, the report said.
She said her secret to a healthy life at her age was exercise on a regular basis and a balanced diet. Though she admitted it was hard for her to resist sugar.
"I might have to reward myself after the race with an ice cream cone," she said with a smile.
