Betty ran her first Shamrock Marathon in 2002 when it was known then as the Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon and in 2025 Betty will run her 50th marathon right where it all began in Virginia Beach! She came in 4th in her age group and she hasn’t stopped since then. 

We sat down with her and asked her about what got her started, her first time at the Boston Marathon, and what drives her on her tough runs.

What inspired you to run your first marathon 23 years ago at the Shamrock Marathon? 

My husband encouraged me to run and I ran my first half marathon and he eventually said “You need to run a marathon” and I said thre is no way I am running for 4 hours so forget it. My stepson was living in Wilmington, NC at the time and he decided he wanted to run Boston. He asked if I wanted to run with him and I was so touched by that so I jumped on it immediately. He trained there and I trained here. At that time Jerry and Amy owned Final Kick and Jerry would group runners based on the time and distance they wanted to run.

We had been training in cold weather and the day of the marathon the temperature shot up and so it became very difficult so I had to walk a little. At that time the Marathon would finish in the convention center. So the announcer came up to me after and said you placed 4th in your age group! I told him you must have made a mistake, I ran so bad that there is no way. So he gave me this award. The few days afterward I said I would never do it again, but then I thought about it more and decided to do another.

What has kept you motivated to continue running marathons over the past two decades? 

I just love the long distance and running with people. One of people who inspired me was Mel Williams from Tidewater Striders.

How has your training approach evolved over the years? 

Consistency with mileage year round helps. So when training comes up, I have that mileage logged that helps when it comes to long runs.

Are there specific routines or habits that have helped you stay in shape and injury free? 

Strength training and diet and this above everything else has helped keep me in shape.

Out of the 50 marathons you’ve completed, which one stands out as most memorable, and why? 

My first Boston in 2004. It was the most exciting. I can’t put in to words the moment you’re there and the energy. I didn’t really race that race so I just went and had fun with it. I was happy I didn’t run it hard because I was able to enjoy it more.

Have you ever faced a moment during a race when you wanted to give up? How did you push through? 

Richmond Marathon I had taken some bad GU and about Mile 10 I got so sick and I kept stopping. My girlfriend caught up with me and asked if I was ok and I wasn’t. I would run and I would feel sick and then run more and still feel sick. At that point I didn’t care if I finished or not. So she went to go get help and I sat on the curb for 20 minutes and then no one showed up. So I got back up and started running and got sick again but the closer and closer I got to the end I told myself I can finish this. I finished. We left right away. Another friend called a little bit later to check on me and she said “I see you placed 4th in your age group again!”. It was crazy!

What’s the most beautiful or inspiring place you’ve run a marathon?

Marine Corp Marathon this past fall in 2024. Richmond is the most beautiful.

What advice would you give to someone considering running their first marathon? 

First is get a good pair of shoes. Most important. Run with others! Go find a run club or group and take it easy. Ease your way through the miles. And Jerry is always a great person to get advice from.

How do you balance running with other aspects of your life? 

Being retired helps! When I was working I would run after work, many times in the dark. My longs runs on the weekend like many others. I prefer morning runs these days.

Running marathons can be emotional. What emotion does it evoke for you? 

Happiness. Pure happiness. I would also say it makes me emotional when friends take the time to invest in my accomplishments.

What’s your recovery for marathons?

Let’s go get lunch!

Final words: 

You’re never too old! Never think that. I was 55 when I ran my first marathon. Just get out there.