Norma, 64, breaks age barrier in 95-mile run
AT her time of life, Norma Bone could be forgiven for wanting to enjoy nothing more strenuous than a stroll in the park.
Instead, the 64-year-old has just become the oldest woman to run one of Britain’s most arduous races by completing the 95-mile West Highland Way.
On Sunday, the grandmother-of-four crossed the finish line in Forth William, Inverness-shire, 33 hours and 26 minutes after she set off from Milngavie, near Glasgow.
Race director Ian Beattie said more people had conquered Everest than had completed the Ronhill West Highland Way race.
Each of the runners must have a support crew to help them. The crew members meet competitors along the route to provide changes of clothes, food and water.
Mrs Bone, who ran for two nights and a day, said she was very proud of her achievement.
She told BBC Scotland: ‘I don’t know why I did it but it’s something that has been very deep inside me for a long time and I wasn’t prepared to sit back without attempting it... I knew my brain could get me there but I just didn’t know if my body could get to the finish. I am so glad I did it. You have to want to do it. I wanted the goblet they give you at the end.’
Mr Beattie said: ‘It’s an incredible feat without any sleep and the mental challenge is huge. Only about 1,000 people have ever completed the race, so it was very emotional to see Norma cross the finish line.’
Of the 199 runners who started this year’s race, 159 reached the finish line.