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.
