SA’s World Champion marathon runner aged 60-65, born in Scotland, but has lived in South Africa for 35 years, is married to a South African and says that Africa is in her blood and that its her home.

What do you do?
I am involved in lots of things. I am a wife and mother and I have my own business, a B&B in Sandton.

Are you a full time runner?
No not at all, I do not get paid. I had to pay my own way to the World Champs. But running is very much part of my life!

Tell us about your recent running achievements
The World Masters Athletics Championships were in Lahti, Finland on the 8 August. I ran the marathon representing SA, in the 60-65 age group. I won, with a time of three hours 32 minutes. I am now world champion marathon runner age 60 to 65 for the next two years.

In 2009, I am also SA 10km, 21km and marathon Grandmaster Champion (age 60-69). I  also  won the City to City , 50km and  the Soweto Marathon.

What got you into running?
All around the world people know of our famous  89km run – The Comrades Marathon – that’s what got my husband and I started.  We have now have run more than ten Comrades each!

How would you inspire others to get into running?
Don’t think age, start walking first! Find friends to walk with that are a tad faster than you, runners / walkers are always willing!