Adventist Woman Completes Honolulu Marathon First in Her Division

Gladys Burrill, 86, made history on Dec. 12, 2004, as the oldest woman to ever complete the Honolulu Marathon. In just over nine hours after crossing the starting line she finished first in her division.

Last year while watching the marathon begin, Burrill was overcome with the desire to participate. So in January 2004, she began to train so regularly that her neighbors have become accustomed to the sight of her speed walking.

Those who know her are not surprised at her energy and tenacity. Burrill, a member of the Medford (Ore.) Church, has raised six children, is grandmother to 18, and is great-grandmother to 14. Additionally, she has climbed Oregon’s Mount Hood and explored Alaska’s Arctic Circle.