Record-breaking ‘galloping granny’
INSPIRATION: HIT THE ROAD AFTER OSTEOPOROSIS DIAGNOSIS AT AGE 78
Not very sporty in her youth, Deirdre Larkin turned to regular exercise for the first time for health reasons in her 70s and she has since become one of South Africa’s most inspirational world record holders.
Sitting at a garden table outside her home in Randburg, where she has lived most of her adult life, Larkin recalls how she took up road running 11 years ago, at the age of 78.
“My doctor told me I had osteoporosis and he suggested I have an operation,” Larkin says.
Having previously undergone surgery to straighten her spine, after the birth of her second of four children, she started investigating other options to strengthen her weakening bones.
“I tried things like yoga and pilates, but I didn’t like them much,” Larkin recalls.
“My youngest son, Richard, used to run during the week before work, so I started copying him.
“Then I saw Randburg Harriers was having a Valentine’s Day 10km race and I asked Richard if he wanted to do it. He agreed, so we ran the race and I got a mug and a medal and I enjoyed it.”
Larkin was hooked and she was soon running regular races.
“I seemed well able to cope with the running, so I went to race after race, all over the place. I enjoy them immensely.”
Now 89, Larkin runs or walks every day and she meticulously logs all her training and racing mileage in cardboard folders, starting a new one every year.
A former concert pianist, her pianos still take up much of the space in her living room, but she recently retired from giving music lessons, with much of her focus these days spent on the road. “I enjoy doing my exercise,” she says. “I’ve also been a member of the Fitness League for 14 years, which is a gym class just up at the scout hall.”
Larkin, however, doesn’t just run. She runs fast, with her results belying both her age and her diminutive size.
In 2017, she completed a half-marathon in Switzerland in 2he 5min 13sec breaking the masters world record in the 85-89 age group.
She also holds the 10km world records in the 80-84 (54min 17sec) and 85-89 (59:51) age divisions.
The “galloping grandmother” has earned so many medals at road races, which adorn the walls of her late husband’s office, she has no idea how many she owns.
Although she is an honorary life member at Randburg Harriers, Larkin is now an ambassador for the Run Zone club and while most of her training is done on her own, she participates in club runs a few times a week.
She will also turn out as the ambassador of the Run Zone Summer Series, of which The Citizen is the media sponsor.
That series consists of three events this month and in early October to raise health awareness around World Heart Day on 29 September.
“It’s a pleasure to run with Run Zone,” she says.
“They’re always trying something new and they’re very encouraging.”
She admits it is a challenge to take up regular exercise as an octogenarian, but Larkin encourages others to get going.
She is living proof that it’s never too late.
“When you’re finished running, it’s exhilarating. It really improves your mood.
“You can start by walking. Any form of exercise can help and you can walk at any speed. You don’t have to run.”
With nearly nine decades of life experience, Larkin says running has helped her to stay focused on the future as she continues to look ahead.
“I don’t think too much about the past,” she says.
“I’m always thinking of where I’m going to run next.”
Larkin turns 90 on 24 September, but still feels energetic both in body and heart, she jokes about the milestone.
“It’s Heritage Day. The whole country is celebrating my birthday,” she laughs.
“I’m not planning a party, but I’ll probably go for a run.”
For entries to the Summer Series go to www.entryninja.com/events/77011summer-series-heart-run.