Colin’s story: Centenarian takes part in Rotorua Marathon

Inspirational Colin Thorne is proof you can keep doing the things you love as you get older. The 100-year-old is about to compete in his 50th marathon, highlighting the importance of keeping active to stay injury free.

Centenarian Colin Thorne doesn't believe in the saying 'the older I get, the better I was'.

At 100-years-old, Colin's set to bring down the curtain on his Red Stag Rotorua Marathon journey this weekend as he laces up his shoes to participate in the First Credit Union 5.5km.

Whangārei-based Colin has a long history with the iconic race, completing 22 full Red Stag Rotorua Marathons, the most recent of which took place in 2014 when the former dairy farmer was 90.

Still incredibly active, Colin regularly participates in park runs and exercises six times a week, combining walking with gym work and aqua jogging to keep in shape.

His next big goal is to compete in the 5.5km distance as part of the 60^th anniversary edition of the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon - which he believes is the perfect opportunity to sign off on his longstanding history with the event.

"I'm suffering a bit now," he explains.

"I had a knee replacement 18 years ago and my right hip has worn away, so I only walk these days. But, as it's the 60^th anniversary, I thought I'd do the 5.5km walk, that will be long enough. I'm looking forward to it."

A former hockey umpire, Colin took up running at the late age of 64 to 'do something for himself' and he joined the local Hatea Harriers.

He was hooked. Within his first year of running, he completed his first marathon in Whangārei and, on the encouragement of a friend, completed his maiden Rotorua Marathon in 1989.

'There's something about Rotorua'

Having completed almost half his 50 marathons in Rotorua, Colin understandably has a close affinity with the event, which has given him so many rich memories over the years.

"There's something about Rotorua, it holds a certain attraction," he says.

He recorded his fastest Rotorua Marathon time of 3:28:33 as a 68-year-old in 1992.

"The hills out the back are a challenge. Rotorua is always something special, although I think a full marathon would be a bit far for me today."

Walking the race with his daughter, Pauline Dinsdale, and son-in-law Rob, Colin has modest goals for the 2024 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon, which is run by Athletics NZ.

"I've been walking a lot of park runs so I can probably comfortably do the 5km," he says.

"But I'd rather do that than strain myself completing the 10km. I realise I'm a bit old now, but I've been very blessed and I'm very lucky to still be entering races."

The great-great grandfather admitted he broke down in tears after completing his first Rotorua Marathon and hopes his presence at the 60th anniversary event will act as a spur to others.

"Hopefully, it will encourage others to get off their backside and go out for a run, that's what I'd love to see," he says.

A great example to all

ACC Injury Prevention Leader James Whitaker says for Colin to still be participating at 100-years-old is truly remarkable.

"Colin is a great example to all of us," James says.

"If you look after your body and put in the hard work, you can keep doing what you love for a very long time."

James says the Rotorua Marathon is an iconic event and it will be special for all runners and walkers to compete in the 60^th anniversary of the famous race.

To stay fit and healthy like Colin, James says it's important to wear correctly-fitted shoes, warm up properly, run at a comfortable pace, warm down, stay hydrated, and allow time for rest and recovery in training.

"Running is great for your health and offers so many benefits, both physical and mental," James says.

"We want all people taking part in the Rotorua Marathon to stay injury-free and enjoy the incredible feeling of crossing the finish line."

You can find some handy hints on staying injury free to enjoy doing the things you love on the 'Have a hmmm' section of our website.

If you get hurt, who gets harmed? Stop and 'Have a hmmm'

Rotorua Marathon 60^th Anniversary

Rotorua, 3-4 May
Distances: Full Marathon (42.2km), Half Marathon (21.1km), 10km, 5.5km, Lakefront Mile, Runway 5
Marathon Records: Paul Ballinger 2:16:05 (1988), Nyla Carroll 2:37:37 (1994)

For more information and to enter, visit the Rotorua Marathon website.

Red Stag Rotorua Marathon

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