Canadian Jennifer MacDonell, 70, runs a world age-group marathon record in Toronto
A warm, detailed account of a 3:23:59 marathon at 70, from the calf cramp to the Finding Nemo mantra and the donut celebration.
Jennifer MacDonell of Ottawa ran the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 18, in 3:23:59, a new W70-74 world record pending ratification, Canadian Running reports. The previous mark, 3:27:00, was set by France's Laurence Dupont Alnet in 2024.
The run capped eight days in which she also set Canadian age-group records for the mile (6:51) and 5K (21:40) in Montreal. With two kilometres to go she was fighting a cramping calf and a headwind, and told the magazine she repeated Dory's line from Finding Nemo, "just keep swimming."
She prepared for a year with coach Steve Boyd, and organizers started her just behind the elite field. Her plan afterward, she said, was to enjoy the moment before setting a new goal.
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Masters athletics
After exploring Ottawa's Jennifer MacDonell sets new W70-74 marathon world record - Canadian Running Magazine, the age-group system behind a W70-74 record is explained in Masters athletics.
Masters athletics is the branch of the sport for athletes 35 and over, competing in five-year age groups under World Masters Athletics.
Wikipedia · Wade · 5 min
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