61-Year-Old Frenchman Shatters Marathon World Record

Mohammed El Yamani just proved that age and injury are no match for determination and heart.

The 61-year-old Frenchman shattered the world record for his age group at the Seville Marathon, finishing in 2:28:28. That means he ran 26.2 miles at a pace of 5:40 per mile, beating the previous record by over 90 seconds.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the journey that brought him to that starting line. El Yamani spent two years unable to run due to gluteal tendonitis, two vertebral fractures, and severe back problems.

"I doubted myself at times, I was depressed at times, but I never gave up on my dream," he shared on Instagram after the race. "Some said I was old, others that I was finished, but I say I have the experience of years lived, the strength of my conviction in my dreams, and the drive and will to improve."

El Yamani didn't discover running until age 31 in 1995. He was inspired by a newspaper story about a 62-year-old runner who had completed every Paris 20K race since 1979, and three days later signed up for his first half marathon.

His debut was promising at 1:19, and within a year he ran his first marathon in Berlin, finishing in 2:35. By age 36, he had clocked a personal best of 2:22:28, while juggling 111 miles of weekly training with his career as a production manager for a classical music company and his responsibilities as a husband and father.

The road to Seville wasn't smooth. El Yamani had planned to run Valencia in December but realized he wasn't ready after years off. He secured a last-minute bib for Seville instead, though doubts plagued him right up to race day.

Why This Inspires

El Yamani's story reminds us that our greatest achievements often come after our hardest struggles. His comeback didn't just break a record; it challenged the narrative that age and injury mean the end of excellence.

His Instagram reflection captured the heart of his journey: "I am a seed; every time I am buried, I am reborn." Those words speak to anyone who has faced setbacks and wondered if their best days were behind them.

For two years, El Yamani couldn't run at all, yet he emerged stronger and faster than the previous record holder. He placed 145th overall in a competitive field, proving that dedication and patience can overcome even the most discouraging obstacles.

At 61, El Yamani isn't slowing down; he's showing the world what's possible when we refuse to let circumstances define our limits.