Inspiring People: Colin Thorne - 98 year old park runner

By Sherol S - Published 3 years ago

Inspiring People: Colin Thorne - 98 year old park runner

Photo / Tania Whyte & NZ Herald

Colin Thorne, a remarkable 98-year-old from Whangārei, New Zealand, celebrated finishing his 100th parkrun after giving up marathons eight years ago. Despite having started running later in life, Thorne had completed an impressive 50 marathons from the age of 64 and countless half-marathons. He attributed his success to his determination to keep active and fit.

Research shows that staying active in older age offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, better muscle and bone strength, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and enhanced cognitive function. Regular exercise can also boost mood and alleviate stress and anxiety, leading to a better quality of life.

Despite dealing with arthritis and age-related aches and pains that have slowed him down, Thorne remains committed to continuing his 5km parkruns as long as he is physically able. He hopes to still be completing weekly parkruns at the age of 100 and beyond. His positive attitude and dedication to fitness serve as an inspiration to all of us to stay active and healthy at any age.

#running

Suggested articles

Get Active for Less: The Changes Proposed to Make Fitness More Affordable in Australia

3 weeks ago

With the cost of living biting hard, getting active can feel like the last thing you can afford. But a bold new proposal from Australia's peak fitness body could be about to change that — with $500 family vouchers for gyms and studios, tax-free gym perks through your employer, and even the ability to get a referral to a personal trainer from your GP. Here's what's on the table in the 2026 Federal Budget — and why it matters for every Australian trying to get moving.

Can an E-Bike Be the Key to Your Fitness Journey?

3 weeks ago

If you’ve ever felt that traditional cycling was too demanding or that injuries were holding you back from staying active, you aren’t alone. A recent qualitative study on the NZ HIKO e-bike programme highlights how electric bikes are acting as a powerful "circuit breaker" for inactivity. By reducing the physical strain on joints and making hills manageable, e-bikes are helping people manage chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and arthritis while providing a significant boost to mental wellbeing. Discover how this "power-assisted" movement is making fitness more inclusive, social, and achievable for Australians of all fitness levels.

Stronger Together: Why Social Connection is the Secret Ingredient to Staying Active

1 month ago

New research reveals that for older adults, physical health and social circles are two sides of the same coin—offering a powerful strategy to fight loneliness while staying fit. Recent findings suggest that treating strong social networks and physical activity as "inextricably linked" can dramatically improve well-being, yet nearly 57% of Australians over 65 still struggle to meet daily activity guidelines. From the motivating power of a local walking group to the "social glue" of community events, discover why finding your community is the most effective medicine for a healthier, more connected lifestyle.

The Resolution Trap: Why ‘All-or-Nothing’ is the Enemy of Consistency

1 month ago

The "New Year, New Me" energy is a powerful motivator, but it often comes with a hidden trap: the all-or-nothing mindset. Many of us start January with rigid fitness resolutions, believing that if we can't commit to a full hour at the gym or a high-intensity session, it’s not worth doing at all. However, groundbreaking research reveals that this psychological rigidity is exactly why most resolutions fail by February. To make 2026 the year your fitness goals actually stick, you need to swap "perfection" for "flexibility." From embracing micro-workouts to finding accountability in local community sports groups, learn how to reframe your thinking and stay active for the long haul—even when life gets in the way.

More Than Just a Walk: How Outdoor Groups Build Community for CALD Women

2 months ago

Beyond the physical benefits of exercise, getting outdoors provides a vital pathway for social connection and cultural exchange. Drawing on the 2025 SAFE research by RMIT University, we explore how community-led outdoor groups are helping women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds overcome barriers to participation. From reducing isolation to building leadership skills, discover how inclusive sports and nature-based activities are redefining what it means to belong in the Australian outdoors and how local clubs can create more welcoming spaces for everyone.

Looking to get active?

Here is a few options to explore:

Find local sports and fitness options, free and paid, such as social groups, organisers, coaches and trainers
Explore our venues directory to find local sports venues and gyms
Discover local sports and family events, free and paid, in our events directory

Learn how the KeepActive community helps people get active.