SAN DIEGO, CA (KSWB/CNN) – A 94-year-old woman ran her way into the history books for the second time Sunday by finishing a half-marathon in San Diego.
Harriette Thompson, a two-time cancer survivor and grandmother, set a record at the San Diego Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon as the oldest woman to complete a half-marathon.
"I'm sort of numb. It feels great. I just am so happy that I was able to do it,” Thompson said.
But setting records is nothing new for the 94-year-old.
Two years ago, Thompson became the oldest woman to complete a full marathon when she finished the 2015 San Diego Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon at the age of 92.
"I guess it's unusual, but I feel like I did when I was 16. But I just can’t move as fast,” Thompson said.
Congrats to Harriette Thompson?? She won over our hearts & set the record as the oldest woman to finish a Half Marathon @SYFNews #RnRSanDiego pic.twitter.com/Hm07ZgFEai
— Rock n Roll Marathon (@RunRocknRoll) June 4, 2017
The 94-year-old from North Carolina has been traveling to San Diego for more than 17 years to participate in the race.
Thompson has also run the San Diego Race for Leukemia and Lymphoma more than 16 times since 1999, missing just the 2013 race as she battled cancer.
"If you feel up to it, go for it,” she said.
Thompson admits it’s not the record-setting that keeps her going but the thousands of dollars she’s helped raise for cancer research through her running.
"I want to thank everybody who was so generous and gave me money. I made quite a bit this year for leukemia and lymphoma, and that's the whole reason I'm running,” she said.
To date, Thompson has raised more than $115 thousand running marathons for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
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