90-Year-Old Breaks Two Running Records in One Week
Giuseppe Damato didn't start running until age 73 after a cycling accident, but now at 90, he's shattering world records. Last week in Italy, he broke both the marathon and half-marathon records for his age group, taking nearly 90 minutes off one mark and 50 minutes off the other.
Most people slow down as they age, but Giuseppe Damato is speeding up. The 90-year-old Italian runner just broke two world records in seven days, proving it's never too late to chase your dreams.
Damato shattered the M90 marathon world record in Milan, finishing more than 90 minutes faster than the previous mark set in 2023. A week later, he ran a 2:07:36 half-marathon in his hometown of Turin, beating the old record by nearly 50 minutes.
The most remarkable part? Damato didn't lace up his first pair of running shoes until he was 73 years old.
A cycling accident forced him to switch sports, and he ran his debut marathon that same year in 3:40. Instead of treating running as rehabilitation, he fell in love with the sport and kept pushing himself to improve.
Today, Damato trains three to four times a week, running between 10 and 25 kilometers depending on his race goals. He also makes regular 18-kilometer round trips to the cemetery to visit his late wife, turning grief into motion and memories into miles.
During his record-breaking Milan Marathon, Damato's grandson Stefano served as one of his pacers. Watching his grandfather fly past runners decades younger left a lasting impression.
Why This Inspires
Stefano believes his grandfather's secret isn't just physical fitness. "At an age where many tend to become discouraged or feel that their best years are behind them, he still looks forward with positivity," Stefano shared.
That optimism combined with dedication has kept Damato young in body and spirit. While many 90-year-olds celebrate making it through the day, Damato celebrates making it through 26.2 miles.
He's not slowing down either. In May, he plans to run a popular 10-kilometer race organized by his running club in Turin, the team he credits for supporting his unlikely athletic career.
If he's feeling strong come November, Damato might tackle the Turin Marathon again. At this rate, another world record wouldn't surprise anyone.
Giuseppe Damato proves that starting late doesn't mean finishing last.
Based on reporting by Google: marathon world record
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
Spread the positivity!
Share this good news with someone who needs it
