Inspiring People: Colin Thorne - 98 year old park runner

By Sherol S - Published 2 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

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

2 days 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

1 week 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.

Keeping Teen Girls in the Game: Is Australia Facing a ‘Grand Décrochage’?

1 week ago

A major study from France has highlighted a concerning phenomenon known as the "grand décrochage"—the great drop-out of teenage girls from organised sport. As the pressure of exams, social media, and body image mounts, many girls are hanging up their boots before they even reach adulthood. But is this just a European trend, or is the same thing happening in our local communities?

Dive into Summer: Score Free Pool Entry with the Banana Swim Pass

2 weeks ago

Looking for a way to beat the summer heat without spending a cent? This Wednesday, 21 January, your morning snack becomes your ticket to the pool. Australian Bananas has teamed up with Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus for the "Banana Swim Pass"—a nationwide event where a single banana gets you free entry to over 70 aquatic centres across Australia. Whether you’re planning a fun family day out during the school holidays or looking to squeeze in some laps for your fitness goals, we’ve got all the details on how it works and where you can dive in.

From Team Sports to Pickleball: How Our Relationship with Sport Changes Over a Lifetime

1 month ago

Sport in Australia is constantly evolving, and the way we stay active looks different at every stage of life. From childhood swimming lessons to the rise of casual fitness and social sports, new data from the latest AusPlay “Lifelong Involvement in Sport” report highlights how our habits, motivations and barriers change over time. The findings reveal why participation peaks in primary school, why so many teens step away from competitive sport, and how adults increasingly turn to flexible options like running, gym workouts and emerging sports such as pickleball.

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.