By Aydée Bigaton

87-year-old Phyl Jones will be the oldest entrant at this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon when she toes the line in the Southern Cross University 10km Run on Saturday 2 July.

The New Zealander’s love for the outdoors and belief that exercising is ‘good for the body and soul’ ignited her walking passion.

“I’m not a runner, but I enjoy walking and taking part in events, especially the Gold Coast Airport Marathon,” Phyl said.

“I think exercise is good for you at any age. I walk at least an hour or more every day regardless of the weather. I always say, ‘I won’t melt in the sun or rain’ and so far I haven’t!”

Phyl participated in her first half marathon at the age of 77 after being encouraged by her walking group. Her race experience inspired her to enter the ASICS Half Marathon on the Gold Coast in 2007 and 2008 where she pursued her fitness goals and visited family.

“I love visiting the Gold Coast. It’s a good opportunity to catch up with my son and family who live in Brisbane,” said Phyl.

For her 80^th birthday, Phyl decided to take things a little bit easier by participating in the Southern Cross University 10km Run for the first time.

“The hardest part is getting older each year, but I still love the exercise,” said Phyl.

“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon has such a great atmosphere, lovely people and great weather. I just love coming back!”

In 2011, Phyl was involved in a car accident and was admitted to hospital, putting her running plans on hold while she recuperated from the ordeal.

“I had a ‘senior moment’ and put my foot on the accelerator instead of the brake and drove around a bend and slew my car over a fence into a paddock and landed in a ditch,” she said.

“Luckily the car didn’t overturn, but I fractured a lumber vertebra and spent three weeks in hospital.

“My sister spent a couple of weeks with me at home while I recovered as well.

“Soon I was able to go back to walking and the doctor said that it was due to my fitness that I recovered so quickly.”

Phyl returned to the Gold Coast Airport Maraton in 2013 to compete in the Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge and since then has been participating in the Southern Cross University 10km Run, a magnificent show of resilience and determination from the runner.

“This year I’m going to be doing the 10km event as I have been since 2014. I have been participating in several local events here in New Zealand as practice,” said Phyl.

2016 Gold Coast Airport Marathon entries close Friday 1 July (8pm QLD).