Judith Som, 82, just ran her 21st NYC Marathon and has advice to share
4 min read
Judith Som, right, was the oldest woman to finish the New York City Marathon this year. Courtesy Judith Som
At 82 years old, Judith Som is not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, she just ran her 21st New York City Marathon, proving once again that passion, determination, and a love for running know no age limits.
Som’s journey into running started nearly five decades ago. At 34, she was convinced by friends at her local health club to give treadmill workouts a try. After that first session, she was hooked. That initial switch from cycling to running ignited a lifelong passion that would eventually see her cross the finish line of one of the world’s most famous races 21 times.
This past weekend, Som became the oldest woman to finish the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon, completing the 26.2-mile course in 8 hours, 39 minutes, and 39 seconds. For her, crossing that finish line was a powerful affirmation of her resilience.
“After accomplishing something like that, it really gives you a sense of purpose and a sense that you could do just about anything you want,” Som told CNN.
Running a marathon at any age is a significant achievement, and the NYC Marathon’s demanding terrain—featuring five bridges and a series of unexpected hills—would be a challenge for even the most seasoned runners. But Som, ever the determined competitor, refuses to let the course slow her down.
For Som, the NYC Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a homecoming. She has run no other marathon but this one. “It’s New York City, baby,” Som said. “I haven’t run in any other marathon. This is my home.”
Her marathon journey began in 1982, when she first felt the pull to join the race after meeting fellow runners along the East River. But just days before the event, she was struck by a severe case of pneumonia and couldn’t compete. It was a crushing setback, but she bounced back the next year with renewed determination. On race day, the weather was far from ideal, as heavy rain poured down throughout the marathon, but Som wasn’t deterred.
When she saw her husband along the route, he asked how she was feeling. “This sucks,” Som replied, not missing a beat. Despite the discomfort, she wasn’t about to quit. “I’ll finish it, don’t worry about it,” she assured him. True to her word, Som crossed the finish line of her first NYC Marathon in just over four hours.
In this year’s race, Som faced another physical hurdle. At mile 19, severe hip pain almost forced her to stop. But after taking a brief moment to chat with spectators along the route, the pain miraculously subsided, and she pushed on toward the finish line, alongside a close friend.
Running 21 marathons—more than 550 miles in total—is an impressive feat, but for Som, it’s the sense of community that keeps her coming back. For years, she’s been a proud member of Mercury Masters, a New York City running club for women over 50. The camaraderie and support from fellow runners and spectators along the course are what fuel her determination each year.
Som recalled a sign she saw during this year’s race that said, “Today, we’re all family.” It was a sentiment that resonated deeply with her. “People were helping out [others], and we were high-fiving anything that moved or didn’t move,” Som said, reflecting on the collective spirit of the race.
Running has also been a lifeline for Som in the years since her husband’s death. “Running has changed my life,” she shared. “It’s the people I’ve met, what I’ve experienced, how I feel about myself—that’s what’s so important.”
For anyone inspired by Som’s remarkable achievements and hoping to follow in her footsteps, she has some simple advice: take it slow, listen to your body, and gradually increase your distance. “You’ve got to have the stamina and the strength before you do it,” she said. “It’s a long haul. … And if you’re injured, stop and respect the injuries.”
Even at 82, Som’s passion for running shows no signs of fading. When asked if this would be her final marathon, she and her running partner jokingly swore it would be. But Som smiled and said, “We looked at each other and laughed, and then she said, ‘We’ll probably do it again.’”
As for Som, she is already eyeing next year’s race. “I think I’ll be there for 2025,” she said with a smile. Given her track record, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if she does.
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