A 71-year-old Toronto doctor set a record at the Boston Marathon Monday by being the first runner ever to place first five times in their respective age category.
Dr. Jean Marmoreo raced in the 70-74 age group and crossed the finish line with a time of three hours, 58 minutes, and 54 seconds. After finishing the race, Marmoreo told CP24 that she celebrated the victory by ‘inhaling’ a bag of chips and drinking champagne.
“I have never seen crowds along the way like I saw today,” she said.
“This one mattered so much… the solidarity was so impressive and so clear along the course.”
Marmoreo, who also won in her age group in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013, may have been able to set the record sooner had she not opted to run in the Berlin Marathon instead of the Boston Marathon in 2012.
When asked if she would run next year, Marmoreo laughed and said, “Oh dear.”
The Toronto family physician is no stranger to setting records. She has also set Canadian records for women ages 70-74 at both the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and the Around the Bay Race in Hamilton.
In a news release from the Toronto physician, broadcaster and marathon runner Kathrine Switzer commended Marmoreo on her accomplishment.
“Jean Marmoreo is an inspiration to women everywhere - and especially women in mid-life and beyond. She’s showing us all that it’s never too late to be an athlete,” broadcaster and marathon runner Kathrine Switzer said in a news release put out by Marmoreo’s staff.
“I've watched her running career over the years and can tell you that, unlike most of us, she seems to get faster as she gets older. Her times in Boston and her performance in the other major marathons make up a remarkable record of achievement."
