But Burrill, a part-time Hawaii resident nicknamed the
“Gladyator,” learned soon after finishing the Dec. 12 race with a time of nine
hours and 53 minutes that she likely qualified for the recognition.
Guinness World Records confirmed Burrill’s accomplishment
Saturday, and the Hawaii House of Representatives honored her with a
certificate and lei during a ceremony Monday.
Her advice for others wanting to live a long and healthy
lifestyle? “Just get out there and walk or run,” she said Monday.
“I like walking because you can stop and smell the roses,
but it’s a rarity that I stop.” Burrill had been a multi-engine aircraft pilot,
mountain climber, desert hiker and horseback rider before she ran her first
marathon in 2004 at the age of 86.
She said she was inspired when she saw early morning
fireworks kicking off the marathon the year before.
Since then, she’s completed five of seven Honolulu Marathons.
She dropped out of the race in 2008 just days after the death of her husband of
69 years, and a stomach ailment sidelined her in 2009 halfway through the
course.
Burrill said her positive attitude gave her the strength to
start running marathons and keep at it. She still walks dozens of kilometers a
week, including 72 km last week.
“It’s so important to think positive. It’s easy to get
discouraged and be negative,” she said. “It makes such a difference in how you
feel and your outlook on everything.” Burrill’s feat also has been recognized
by the World Records Academy and by USA Track and Field. She eclipsed the
previous record held by Jenny Wood-Allen of Dundee, Scotland, who was 90 years
old when she completed the 2002 London Marathon.
“This lady has proved to herself, to the world and all of us
on this floor that through hard work and inspiration, you can do what you set
your heart to do,” said state Rep.
Gene Ward.
Burrill said she doesn’t plan to run the Honolulu Marathon
again this year, although she’s tempted. Instead, she said she’ll be cheering
at the finish line for some friends in the race.
