In the past, we’ve seen some older folks breaking records for completing marathons, but never quite like this.
At the 26th annual Chicago Half Marathon & 5K on Sunday, Dot Sowerby, 90, won the half marathon’s 90-94 age group with a time of 3:33:47, which also set the American women’s record for the age group.
The Greensboro, North Carolina, native gave her thoughts to reporters after the race. “I think older people can do anything, and I just like to keep active, and you're never too old to get out there and run,” Sowerby CA Notice at Collection.
Published: Sep 26, 2023 11:09 AM EDT interview with CBS that she was the fastest runner in North Carolina. “When I came along, they wouldn’t let girls run,” Sowerby said in an interview with the station. “So, I didn’t take up running until I was about 50 years old.”
Sowerby has been successful at multiple distances, breaking the W90 world record in the 1500 meters at the USATF Masters Outdoor Championships, held in her hometown back in July. She trains in the gym daily, using a mix of longer runs, swimming, and exercise classes to stay fit. “One of my motivations is to support others to keep exercising, no matter your age or circumstance, just get out there and do something,” she said.
The half marathon, which stretches along Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive and historic south side neighborhood, was held over the weekend and brought out runners ranging from age 8 to 90, representing 48 different states and 32 countries.
“We were proud to provide our athletes with an unforgettable experience that only the vibrant city of Chicago can offer,” said Allison Humbert Wilkinson, the senior marketing manager for Life Time Athletic Events, the owner and producer of the event, in a press release.
Whitney Hirano, 28, won the women’s race in 1:18:58, while Dustin Macuiba, 25, took the men’s title in 1:10:70.
Laura Ratliff is a New York City-based writer, editor, and runner. Laura's writing expertise spans numerous topics, ranging from travel and food and drink to reported pieces covering political and human rights issues. She has previously worked at Architectural Digest, Bloomberg News, and Condé Nast Traveler Courtesy Dot Sowerby TripSavvy. Like many of us, Laura was bitten by the running bug later in life, after years of claiming to "hate running." Her favorite marathon is Big Sur.
