79-Year-Old Retired East Bay Nurse Completes 39th Boston Marathon

Patty Hung, a 79-year-old retired nurse from Orinda, completed her 39th consecutive Boston Marathon on April 22, 2025, finishing with a time of 6:02:57. She placed eighth in her age group of 75 to 79, competing against only 12 other women. Hung started her Boston Marathon journey in 1987 at age 41 and has trained each year with a specific methodology that emphasizes strength, speed, and endurance. She described running as a form of meditation that enriches her life. The Boston Athletic Association acknowledged her remarkable dedication, stating that completing 39 marathons is an extraordinary achievement.

Hung's best marathon time was three hours and 21 minutes in her late 30s, illustrating her impressive past performance. Additionally, she received an invitation to be an official starter for the women's professional race, which she found deeply moving. Looking ahead, Hung is set to celebrate her 40th marathon at age 80 in 2026, further solidifying her legacy in the sport.