The London Marathon, first held in 1981, has become one of the world’s most prestigious and popular long-distance running events. While elite athletes often dominate the headlines, some of the most inspiring stories come from elderly participants who demonstrate that age is merely a number when it comes to endurance and determination. 

This article highlights four extraordinary individuals who hold the distinction of being the oldest people to complete the London Marathon. Their achievements stand as a testament to today’s youth, challenging our understanding of physical capabilities in later life, and inspiring generations of runners to keep moving forward regardless of age.

4. Jenny Wood-Allen

Jenny Wood-Allen’s remarkable late-life marathon career earned her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records and inspired countless older adults to pursue athletic challenges.

Wood-Allen’s running story is perhaps the most surprising of all the athletes profiled here. She didn’t begin running until the age of 71—a time when most people have long since retired from athletic pursuits. Her late start didn’t prevent her from building an impressive marathon resume, participating in over 30 marathons during her running career.

Like many marathon runners, Wood-Allen used her athletic platform to support charitable causes, raising over £70,000 for various charities throughout her running career. Her philanthropic impact paralleled her athletic achievements, demonstrating how marathon running can serve broader social purposes.

Wood-Allen’s time of 7 hours, 14 minutes, and 46 seconds at age 87 secured her place in the Guinness World Records as the oldest female marathon finisher at that time. This official recognition of her achievement helped bring attention to the capabilities of elderly athletes and challenged widespread assumptions about aging and physical decline.

Her record stands as an inspiration for runners of all ages, particularly those who might believe they’re “too old” to begin training for endurance events like marathons.

3. Eileen Noble

Eileen Noble holds the distinction of being the oldest female runner to complete the London Marathon, challenging stereotypes about women’s athletic capabilities in advanced age.

Noble began her running journey relatively late in life, discovering the sport in her 50s. What started as casual interest developed into a passionate commitment that has lasted for decades. Her 19th marathon completion at age 84 secured her place in London Marathon history as its oldest female participant.

Beyond the physical achievement, Noble speaks eloquently about the mental health benefits of long-distance running. She has described running as therapeutic, noting that it helps clear away stresses and worries—a testament to the holistic benefits of the sport that extend far beyond physical fitness.

Noble’s achievement is particularly significant in the context of female participation in marathon running. Women were only officially allowed to enter marathon races in the late 1960s and early 1970s, making Noble part of the first generation of women who had the opportunity to participate in marathon running throughout much of their adult lives.

Her continued participation serves as an inspiration not only for elderly athletes but specifically for older women who might not see themselves represented in sports media or competition.

2. John Starbrook

John Starbrook has earned his nickname “The Legend” through his extraordinary dedication to marathon running well into his ninth decade of life.

Starbrook’s running journey began relatively late in life when he took up the sport at age 53—an age when many people are already contemplating a less active lifestyle. Since then, he has completed an astounding 32 London Marathons, demonstrating remarkable consistency and dedication to the sport.

What makes Starbrook’s achievements even more impressive is his commitment to charitable causes through his running. Over the years, he has raised more than £40,000 for Age UK, helping to support services for elderly people throughout the United Kingdom. His fundraising efforts highlight how marathon running can serve purposes beyond personal achievement.

Maintaining his fitness well into his late 80s, Starbrook adheres to a rigorous training schedule that includes spin classes, swimming, and water polo—a diverse approach to fitness that has kept him healthy and race-ready year after year.

Perhaps most inspirational is Starbrook’s determination in the face of medical advice. Despite doctors recommending that he stop running due to health concerns, he has continued to participate in marathons, exemplifying the resilience and determination that have made him a legend in the London Marathon community.

1. Fauja Singh

Fauja Singh, affectionately known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” holds the distinction of being one of the oldest marathon runners in the world and the oldest person to complete the London Marathon.

Born in 1911 in Beas Pind, Punjab, during British colonial rule in India, Fauja Singh’s journey to marathon fame came remarkably late in life. After emigrating to England in the 1990s to join his son, Singh began his running career at the astonishing age of 89, following the death of his wife and son. What started as a way to combat depression transformed into an extraordinary athletic career.

Singh’s marathon achievements are particularly impressive given his late start. He completed multiple prestigious marathons, including those in London, Toronto, and New York. His personal best time came at the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon, where he finished in 5 hours and 40 minutes at age 92—a remarkable feat for a runner of any age.

Singh’s lifestyle choices have contributed significantly to his longevity and athletic ability. He maintains a simple vegetarian diet and has abstained from smoking and alcohol throughout his life. His dedication to the sport and remarkable achievements earned him the honor of carrying the Olympic torch during both the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympic Games.

The “Turbaned Tornado” achieved international recognition when he was featured in Adidas’ “Impossible is Nothing” advertising campaign alongside sports legends David Beckham and Muhammad Ali. His contributions to sport and charity were officially recognized when he was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2015.

Despite his numerous world records as the oldest marathon runner, Guinness World Records did not officially recognize his achievements due to the absence of a birth certificate—a common issue for those born in early 20th century India when birth records were not systematically maintained.

Conclusion

These extraordinary individuals represent the pinnacle of late-life athletic achievement. Their London Marathon completions at advanced ages demonstrate that with proper training, determination, and passion, endurance sports remain accessible well into one’s later years.

Their stories challenge conventional wisdom about aging and physical capability, providing powerful counterexamples to the notion that athletic achievement belongs exclusively to the young. 

Beyond their personal achievements, these runners have raised substantial funds for charitable causes, inspired countless others to pursue fitness regardless of age, and fundamentally changed perceptions about what’s possible in the later stages of life.