Gladys "Glady" Burrill, 92, the oldest woman to enter the Honolulu Marathon finished the race Sunday in 9 hours, 53 minutes and 16 seconds.
Burrill's finish time was about an hour short of the world record for her age group (90-94). The record time for that group is 8 hours, 53 minutes and 8 seconds.
Burrill is from Prosper, Oregon, but she spends part of each year in Honolulu in her Waikiki condominium.
When Burrill crossed the finish line she was given an orchid lei by Honolulu Marathon President Dr. Jim Barahal.
Barahal called Burrill's perseverance remarkable.
"I think it is absolutely unbelievable. It is inspirational and to anyone who has an elderly parent or perhaps has lost someone to realize what she is doing at her age. It is just astonishing. What an inspiration," said Barahal.
Burrill began running the Honolulu Marathon in 2003 when she was 86.
She finished the race four times but she was unable to complete the last two marathons -- once, because her husband had just died, and last year, because she suffered from stomach cramps at the 25-mile mark and had to drop out.
"So it was a struggle even though I am a positive person to know I could finish this time," said Burrill.
Burrill and her 66-year-old training partner, George McCarthy put in 30 to 50 miles a week for almost a year to prepare for this year's race.
"I was more relaxed. I didn't have the stress that I had before. This just felt so much better," said Burrill.
Six-time past Honolulu Marathon finisher Jimmy Muindi is a friend of Burrill's and came to the finish line to congratulate her.
Burrill had this advice for anyone over 90 wanting to enter a marathon.
"To think positive and to take care of yourself, and I have never drank or smoked and I think that makes a big difference," said Burrill.
Burrill said she will keep training in hopes of entering another marathon.
Beyond that, she said she dreams of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
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