Meet the 93-Year-Old Marathoner Redefining What Aging Looks Like

Mathea Allansmith isn’t your typical 93-year-old. She’s a trailblazer whose age is nothing more than a number one that hasn’t stopped her from achieving a world-record milestone. At 92 years and 194 days old, Mathea officially became the oldest woman to finish a marathon, earning her a spot in the Guinness World Records.

She crossed the finish line at the 2022 Honolulu Marathon in 11 hours, 19 minutes, and 49 seconds, proving that grit doesn’t retire.

Her record-breaking run wasn’t just a personal triumph; it sent a powerful message about aging, resilience, and the human spirit. From her home in Koloa, Hawaii, Mathea is showing the world that it’s never too late to chase big goals and create lasting legacies.

How It All Began: Mathea’s Journey into Running

Unlike many lifelong athletes, Mathea didn’t lace up her first pair of running shoes until she was 46.

The spark came in 1977 when a colleague, Dr. C. Stephen Foster, encouraged her to run two miles a day. That gentle push became a powerful habit. Running outdoors became her sanctuary, her rhythm, her way to stay connected to life.

With her medical background as an optometrist, Mathea understood the benefits of staying active. She didn’t just run to stay fit she ran to feel alive. Each training run and race wasn’t about pace; it was about purpose. With every step, she embraced a lifestyle that champions longevity, joy, and well-being.

How She Stays Young at Heart

Mathea’s secret to a vibrant life? Relentless consistency. She runs six days a week, totaling 36 miles across the lush streets of Koloa.

Her runs aren’t just workouts they’re moments of mindfulness, social connection, and gratitude.

Waving to neighbors and soaking in the beauty around her is part of the experience.

For Mathea, aging doesn’t mean slowing down. It means living with intention. She believes that taking care of your body, mind, and relationships is the true path to staying young.

Here’s a closer look at the habits that fuel her remarkable vitality:

Find Joy in Movement

Mathea lights up when she talks about the Honolulu Marathon, especially since there's no cutoff time.

That’s allowed her to enjoy the full experience without pressure. For her, running with others has been a great motivator and social outlet.

Not into running? The key is to explore until you find what excites you.

Join a local fitness class, try cross-training, try swimming, hike with friends, or dance your way through a Zumba session.

The best routine is the one you look forward to.

Eat With Purpose

Nutrition is a cornerstone of Mathea’s lifestyle. She avoids ultra-processed foods and takes a disciplined approach to her meals. “I don’t eat junk. I count calories and track my macronutrients protein, carbs, and fats. I make sure my weight stays consistent,” she says.

Stick to the Plan No Matter What

Rain or shine, Mathea laces up and gets out there. “I never use age as an excuse,” she insists. Her advice to beginners is to start small, stay consistent, and let your body adjust. It’s not about speed it’s about showing up.

Choose activities that blend naturally into your daily rhythm. And whatever you do, make sure it’s sustainable and repeatable.

Gear That Works For You

Mathea is a firm believer in tried-and-true gear. “I never wear new clothes or shoes on race day,” she explains. She breaks in each pair of running shoes over the course of 200 miles before they make it to the start line.

Comfort and familiarity are her priorities.

Live in the Now

When life gets tough, Mathea keeps it simple: focus on the present. Just like she approaches a long run, she tackles life one step at a time. That mindset helps her manage stress and stay grounded.

What’s Next for Mathea?

At 93, Mathea isn’t done. Far from it. She’s setting her sights on half marathons and 10K races, driven by a fire that shows no signs of dimming.

“There’s still so much I want to do,” she says with a smile.

Her energy is contagious, and her message is crystal clear: you’re never too old to dream, to move, to feel the joy of a challenge.‍

She encourages everyone no matter their age or ability to start where they are and keep going.

Mathea’s story isn’t just inspiring. It’s transformative. She’s changing how the world views aging, showing that the later years in life can be full of movement, purpose, and adventure.

One step at a time, she’s running into history and taking us all along for the ride.