Nancy Dickman, an 83-year-old marathon runner from Lake Macquarie, Australia, continues to defy age and expectations as she prepares for her next marathon with hopes of competing at the age of 90. Dickman has been a dedicated marathoner since she was 40, completing at least one marathon each decade. Her most recent achievement was at the age of 80, when she became the oldest competitor in the Sydney Marathon, ranking 15th in the world for her age group.
“It gives you a sense of achievement, testing yourself,” Dickman said. “It just makes you feel good, it’s pretty simple.” Over her lifetime, she has completed 15 marathons, including prestigious events in London, New York, and Rome. Despite the challenges that come with aging, she remains optimistic about her fitness journey. “I’m hoping to stay fit enough to do one at 90, but that’s a big ask, because there’s a lot of years between now and then,” she added.
Physical and Mental Benefits of Running
Nancy began her running journey at the age of 35 while working as a teacher in Broken Hill. Initially, she could only run the length of a football field, but she gradually built up her stamina, leading to her first marathon at 40. While she initially embraced running for its physical benefits, she soon discovered its profound impact on her mental health.
“It’s been shown now to be good for mental health, but that wasn’t always promoted,” she noted. Motivated by her experiences, Nancy pursued a PhD to explore the effects of exercise on older women’s self-concept, publishing her findings in 2005. Her research revealed that regular walking significantly improved physical and social self-concept among older women, along with more positive body image and fitness perceptions.
Reflecting on her personal experiences, she said, “The physical [benefits] I guess it keeps me healthy, I don’t take any medication for anything. But the biggest benefit is mental. If you’re anxious, go for a run, if you’re feeling a bit depressed, go for a run, if you want to think about something, work out some problems, go for a run.”
An Inspiration to Many
Nancy is a familiar face at her local weekly parkrun in Lake Macquarie, where she is the oldest female participant. Lakeview Parkrun director Peter Scotchmer praised her as an inspiration to fellow runners. “That someone who is old enough to be their great grandmother in many cases is running past them and enjoying it and doing a great job,” he said. “I’m hitting that age myself and I’d just love to be as active and involved and have the mental acuity that she has.”
Scotchmer noted that Dickman completes the five-kilometer course in about 32 minutes. “For her age, she is an exceptional runner, she’s up there among the top runners in the world for her age group,” he remarked.
Looking Ahead
Earlier this year, Nancy participated in the virtual charity run ‘Run Against Violence’, covering approximately 225 kilometers in 19 days, becoming the oldest person to finish the event. She has also competed in multiple Masters Games, both nationally and internationally, celebrating sport, active lifestyles, and camaraderie among adults over 30.
Despite the challenges ahead, Nancy remains committed to her passion for running. “I want to continue running and parkrun of a Saturday,” she said. “Hopefully I stay fit enough to continue and if I can’t, I can walk maybe.”
Nancy Dickman’s story is a testament to the enduring power of determination and the profound benefits of staying active, both physically and mentally. As she sets her sights on her next marathon at 90, she continues to inspire those around her to embrace an active lifestyle at any age.
