Marathon veterans: the passion that never fades

Sport is full of figures who command respect. Often, they are icons of speed and performance. The athletes we invite you to discover or rediscover belong to a different category, but they are no less inspiring, quite the opposite. One thing is certain after looking through these portraits: nobody really knows the limits of the body or the mind. These are people who deserve a place on the walls of our grown-up bedrooms.

Barbara Humbert, the unstoppable enthusiast

Let’s start with a French star. Barbara Humbert, who will be 86 in 2025, ran her first marathon in Paris in 1984. She has never stopped since, completing 56 marathons. The oldest finisher in the Paris Marathon, she still runs 45 to 50 km a week for the pleasure and freedom it brings her. Barbara discovered running at 43, thanks to her daughter, and never looked back. She has raced all over the world, including 100 km races and 24-hour events. In 2024, at the Marathon pour tous held as part of the Paris Olympic Games, she was the oldest female runner in the field. Unsurprisingly, numerous media outlets paid tribute to her on the occasion. Her secret? Passion. Asked about her lifestyle in January 2024, she said: “My pleasure was simply going out running alone in the forest.” Boom. As straightforward as her stride.

Charly Bancarel, the philosopher marathoner

Charly Bancarel is not only an extraordinary runner, but also a poet with a gift for an inspiring turn of phrase: “You don’t stop because you grow old; you grow old if you stop.” A mantra worth putting everywhere for anyone who wants to embrace this way of life despite the passing years. Originally from Salers in the Cantal region, Charly Bancarel has been running for more than 70 years and has taken part in legendary races including the marathons of Berlin, New York, London and Paris (12 times). In 2024, he was the oldest participant at the Marathon pour tous held as part of the Paris Olympic Games. He trains every day in his garage, which is equipped with a rowing machine, bike and dumbbells, and regularly runs through the rolling landscapes of Auvergne. His secrets? Nothing surprising: an impeccable lifestyle, no smoking, little alcohol and a healthy diet. Above all: “never stop”!

Fauja Singh, the flying centenarian

Born on April 1, 1911, in Punjab (India), Fauja Singh is a legendary marathoner. After a childhood marked by health problems, he took up running after the age of 80 to overcome the loss of his son and wife. After emigrating to England, he ran his first marathon in London in 2000, at the age of... 89. A few years later, he set a record by finishing a marathon in 6:54, beating the world record for his age group by 58 minutes. Then, in 2011, at 100, he became the first centenarian to finish a marathon (Toronto in 8:11). He also set eight world records for centenarians over distances ranging from 100 m to 5,000 m. A vegan, he inspired thousands of people before retiring from competitive running at 102. Incredible.

Gladys Burrill, the Gladyator

Gladys Burrill, known as the Gladyator, became famous after finishing the Honolulu Marathon at the age of 92 in 2010, making her one of the oldest women ever to complete a marathon. She covered the course in 9 hours and 53 minutes, inspiring an enormous wave of affection. She died in 2015 at the age of 100 and had started running at 86 to stay active and overcome health problems. Gladys radiated joie de vivre, and with her mantra, “Always move forward, one step at a time,” she went a very long way. She credited her longevity to a healthy diet, a positive attitude and unshakeable faith. We’re inclined to believe her.

Ernestine Shepherd, an incredible force of nature

Another extraordinary personality. We invite you to join the 100k followers of this American athlete, born in 1936. Before becoming known as a runner, Ernestine Shepherd was a bodybuilder. She started running at 56 and has since completed several marathons, including Boston. Now over 80, she still trains and inspires athletes of every age. One look at her smile is enough to recharge your batteries and head out for a good run. She is still recognised by Guinness World Records as the “world’s oldest female bodybuilder.” Want to follow her advice? Ernestine published a book in 2016, Determined, dedicated, disciplined to be fit (Determined, dedicated, disciplined to be fit). In it, she shares her diet, including hard-boiled eggs, chicken, vegetables and a drink made with liquid eggs. Ernestine also appeared in the video for Black Is King by Beyoncé. We told you she was a star.

Ed Whitlock, master of time

A true legend. Born in London, Ed Whitlock later moved to Canada for his engineering career. He ran cross-country as a teenager, but it was at 40 that his incredible journey began. In 2003, he became the first person over 70 to run a marathon in under three hours, clocking 2:59. He went on to collect records, and in 2016, at the age of 85, he became the oldest runner to break four hours for the marathon, running 3:56 in Toronto. Ed Whitlock filled the pages of Guinness World Records with his name, but more importantly, he left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to meet him. The English-born runner also had genuine movie-star charisma.

So, which icon will you choose for your giant poster?