- Jeannie Rice, 71, set a world age-group record in the marathon on September 29 in Berlin, where she ran 3:24:48.
- The performance bettered by 3 minutes the record she set last year in Chicago, 3:27:50.
- Her next competitive races include the Naples Half Marathon in January and the Tokyo Marathon in March.
She averaged 7:49 per mile.
In October 2018, she stunned the running community when she broke 3:30 for a marathon, running 3:27:50 in Chicago.
Races & Places 70–74 Mom Runs 147 Miles for Premature Son, running 3:24:48. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Rice, who splits her time between Mentor, Ohio, and Naples, Florida, ran even splits most of the race. All her 5Ks were in the 23-minute range, until the 35-kilometer mark (about 21.7 miles). Then she slowed to a 26:34. “I faded the last 5K, but I knew I had it by then,” she told Runner’s World.
Plus, she knows she has room for improvement in her next marathon, which will be Tokyo in March 2020. “I’m kind of glad I didn’t break 3:20,” she said. “It gives me something to try for.”
Runner's World Stay motivated with the Runner’s World 2020 Calendar
Runner's World Stay motivated with the Runner’s World 2020 Calendar
First, she’ll return to the Naples Half Marathon and try to better Advertisement - Continue Reading Below, We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
Rice is undoubtedly physically gifted, because not only is she turning in top times, but she never feels sore after 26.2. After Sunday’s race, she ran five miles apiece on Monday and Tuesday. “I feel wonderful,” she said.
Is Rice inspiring others of her age? It’s possible. In Berlin, she won her age group by 17 and a half minutes, in contrast to her typical winning margin of 30–45 minutes or more.
But Vera Vigunante Nystad of Norway turned in a stellar 70–74 age-group time: 3:42:19.
Jeannie Rice is faster at 71 than she was at 70 is a writer and editor living in Eugene, Oregon, and her stories about the sport, its trends, and fascinating individuals have appeared in Runner’s World Nutrition - Weight Loss, Run Your Butt Off! and Walk Your Butt Off!
