92-Year-Old Harriette Thompson Returns to Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
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Two-time cancer survivor trained for marathon despite the recent loss of her husband
and battling a staph infection in her legs
Harriette is raising funds and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
SAN DIEGO–May 30, 2015–Harriette Thompson was true to her word, “If I’m still alive, I’ll be
back next year.” The 92-year-old, who was the second oldest marathon finisher in U.S. history
last year, is returning to run the Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon on Sunday, May 31.
Last year, Harriette finished the Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon in 7 hours, 7 minutes
and 42 seconds, setting a world record for the fastest marathon ever by a woman 90 years or
older. She crushed the previous mark of 9 hours, 53 minutes, set by Gladys Burrill at the 2010
Honolulu Marathon.
It’s not only Harriette’s impressive racing accomplishments that distinguish her as incredible
person. The two-time cancer survivor started running at the young age of 76. And, she is
running her 16th marathon in San Diego this weekend to raise awareness and funds for the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, even though people tell her they will donate to her even if she
doesn't run.
Since she started running, Harriette has raised more than $90,000 for the Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society, a cause close to her because she has friends and family who were affected by
blood cancers. To donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on behalf of Team Harriette,
please visit: http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/rnr15/hthompson.
“I never try to compete,” Thompson said. “I just try to make money for the Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society.”
Harriette will be the first to tell you she doesn’t deserve a lot of attention, but she inspired
thousands of people around the world to get up and run last year with her impressive endeavors.
What’s more, she hardly trained last year due to radiation treatment on her legs to take care of a
skin cancer condition, yet she still broke the marathon record by more than an hour and a half.
On top of dealing with a staph infection in her legs while training for this year’s race, Harriette
has also been coping with the loss of her husband in January.
Harriette, from Charlotte, N.C., is a former concert pianist who played at Carnegie Hall three
times. She mentally plays old piano pieces she had performed in her head to help her get
through the 26.2 miles.
“I do think the discipline required to play the piano has helped my running,” she said.
Her 56-year-old son, Brenneman, also helps her get through the grueling marathon.
“Anytime I need anything, he’s there for me,” said Harriette. “Water, Vaseline, Gatorade,
PowerBars, GU, bananas, oranges, pretzels.”
Harriette’s marathon feat serves as a testament to blessed genetics and a healthy lifestyle, the
latter encompassing diet, exercise and attitude. She finishes every race with the biggest smile
and flawless red lipstick still in place.
“I believe this will be my last time, but my friends remind me that I say that every year,”
Thompson said.
The Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will take place over the
weekend of May 29-31, starting with an interactive 2-day Health & Fitness Expo. The new Rock
‘n’ Roll 5K on Saturday, offers two days of running and the chance to take on the Remix
Challenge by running both days. The main events take place on Sunday, beginning on the west
side of Balboa Park. The marathon begins at 6:15 am and the half-marathon starts at 6:50 am.
The race routes incorporate a scenic tour of San Diego’s neighborhood charm, passing through
Little Italy, Old Town, University Heights and Normal Heights, before ending by Petco Park at
13th and K Street, with a celebratory finish line festival and concert.
The Toyota Rock ‘n’ Roll Concert Series with headliner O.A.R. gives participants a reason
to rock out at San Diego’s Petco Park on Sunday after the race. In addition to O.A.R.’s
performance, runners will enjoy the sounds of motivational music and entertainment along the
course, along with enthusiastic cheerleaders and thousands of encouraging spectators.
For more information or to register for the event, visit RunRocknRoll.com and follow the event
on Twitter @RunRocknRoll.
About Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & ½ Marathon
The 18th annual Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & ½ Marathon will run through the
streets of San Diego on Sunday, May 31, 2015. The race is known for lining the course live bands
and cheerleaders interspersed with themed water stations along the route. The original Rock 'n'
Roll Marathon in 1998 is still recognized as the largest inaugural marathon in U.S. history with
19,979 entrants. A free two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the San Diego Convention Center kicks
off race weekend, featuring more than eighty fitness retailers, exhibits, free samples and
interactive clinics. The event concludes Sunday afternoon with a finish line celebration and
headliner concert with O.A.R. at PETCO Park. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the event’s
featured charity. Over the 17-year history of the race, runners participating with their Team In
Training program have raised more than $179 million in San Diego to support blood cancer
research and patient services. For more information about the Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego,
please visit RunRocknRoll.com.
Media Contacts
Dan Cruz, 619-925-7671, [email protected]
Emily Gibbs, 858-768-6469, [email protected]
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