90-Year-Old Shatters Marathon Record, Plans 10 More Years

Most people celebrate their 90th birthday with cake and family, but Giuseppe Damato marked his in January by preparing to shatter a world record. Last Sunday at the Milan Marathon, the Italian runner crossed the finish line in 4:30:30, demolishing the previous 90-plus age category record by more than an hour and 40 minutes.

The previous record stood at 6:14:44, set just last year in 2023. Damato's time would be impressive at any age, but at 90, it's extraordinary.

"I'm a bit short of breath," Damato told the announcer at the finish line in Piazza Duomo, before quickly recovering and chatting enthusiastically about his performance. His energy level suggested someone who had just finished a casual jog, not their 17th marathon.

Damato ran with two relatives who served as pacers throughout the race. "My two guardian angels held me back a bit, because I have a habit of going out too fast," he explained after the race. "It's thanks to them that I got to the end feeling fresh."

His running career started later than most elite athletes. Damato spent decades as a cyclist before an accident forced him to find a new sport at age 73.

He entered his first marathon that same year and finished in 3:40, an impressive debut for any age. Since then, he's completed 16 more marathons while also playing tennis regularly to stay in shape.

Why This Inspires

Damato proves that starting late doesn't mean thinking small. While most people consider 73 the age to slow down, he treated it as a starting line for an entirely new chapter of athletic achievement.

His story challenges our assumptions about aging and ability. He didn't gradually work his way into running or start with casual 5Ks. He jumped straight into marathons and kept improving for nearly two decades.

Even more inspiring is his refusal to rest on his record. "I'm not even that tired," he told reporters at the finish. "Next Sunday I'm doing a half-marathon."

Damato plans to return to Milan in 2027 with an ambitious goal: running even faster. "I plan to keep running for another 10 years," he said. "I hope to do better."

If his trajectory continues, the 90-plus category record might not stand for long.