At 80, Mildred Baker is preparing for a 26.2-mile test after building up through NYRR races and a half marathon. On Sunday, she is expected to line up with more than 60,000 other runners for the TCS New York City Marathon, which passes through all five boroughs before finishing in Manhattan.
Baker's running story started small. According to amNewYork, she moved to New York in the 1970s and spent her career working as an executive assistant at the Frank E. Campbell Home before retiring. In 2023, she became a member of NYRR Striders, which New York Road Runners describes as a free walking and fitness program for older adults, started in Harlem in 2010, with locations across the five boroughs and gentle warm-ups and walking paced to each individual.
From there, Baker's mileage only grew. NYRR reports that she has run 13 NYRR races in the span of two years, and at age 79 she completed her first half marathon at the United Airlines NYC Half, a milestone also confirmed by ABC7 New York. She is now preparing to take on the full marathon at age 80.
Training for the Full Distance
Baker told Women's Health that she recently ran 18 miles and felt strong afterward, saying, “I ran 18 miles the other day and felt great, so I know I can do this.”
Her athletic experience predates marathon training: amNewYork reports she played basketball, volleyball and track in high school. The outlet also reports that family, friends and teammates have supported her preparation.
Older Runners on the Course
Baker is among several older runners preparing for this year's marathon.
Baker won't be the only octogenarian on the course this year. According to CBS New York, 83-year-old Upper West Sider David Obelkevich was set to run the 2026 race as his 116th marathon overall, while, as reported by NorthJersey.com, 90-year-old Marty Granoff trained in Central Park just days before the race, hoping to become one of the oldest Americans to finish.
Recent Age Milestones and the Striders Program
NYRR reported that the oldest male and female finishers at the November 3, 2024, TCS New York City Marathon were 88-year-old Garth Barfoot and 82-year-old Judith Sorn. At the November 2, 2025, race, the oldest male finisher was 91-year-old Koichi Kitabatake and the oldest female finisher was 83-year-old Sorn, according to New York Road Runners and its 2025 race results. Those past results do not establish who will finish or set a record this year. NYRR says it launched its first Striders session for older adults at Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem in August 2010. Today, the organization describes Striders as a free walking and fitness program for older adults, with sessions at senior and community centers across the five boroughs.
A Milestone at the Finish
Baker’s marathon attempt brings together several steps in her running journey: joining a walking and fitness program, completing a half marathon and building up to long training runs. Sunday’s race will test her over the full 26.2 miles.
Baker's race is one example of runners taking on a first marathon later in life. Women's Health also highlighted Patti Whiteye, who completed her first marathon at age 56 at the Marine Corps Marathon in October 2025 using a run/walk method.
