Honolulu Marathon world-record holder Gladys Burrill to Celebrate 100th Birthday

Honolulu Marathon world-record holder Gladys Burrill celebrated her centennial on Saturday during two 30-minute tributes. The first tribute was during a 9 a.m. breakfast and the second tribute was at 12:30 p.m., accompanied by a vegetarian lunch. During both tributes, the church and greater Manoa community joined her to celebrate her life journey and milestones through a pictorial history, along with interviews of both Burrill and her family. The Honolulu Japanese SDA Church says this is its way to honor "Gladyator"on her 100th birthday. Since 2004, Burrill participated in the Honolulu Marathon seven times, finishing the course five times. Her last one was in 2010 when, at age 92, she received the Guinness World Record as the oldest female marathon finisher. “Age is only a number,” Burrill says. She credits her positive attitude for giving her the strength to start running marathons. “It’s important to think positive and to dream. Just get out there and walk or run,” she advises. Good advice for her five children, 18 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren. Burrill credits her good health, including a healthy mind and erect posture, to her faith and her healthy lifestyle. She currently walks ten miles a week and enjoys a mostly plant-based diet.

posted Tuesday November 27th