90-Year-Old Athlete to Compete in NYC Marathon
A 90-year-old New Jersey man plans to complete the 26.2-mile race on November 1 after a 43-year hiatus from the marathon.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Running
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Ninety-year-old Marty Granoff will compete in the New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026, marking his return to the race after 43 years. The New Jersey resident aims to complete the course in seven hours and 40 minutes.
Why it matters
Granoff's training regimen highlights the physical endurance possible in later life, as he attempts to become the oldest American to finish the race in regulation time this century. He embarked on this goal after reflecting on his previous marathon performances in November 2025.
Official race records show that Sam Gadless completed the marathon in 9 hours and 28 minutes at age 92 in 1999. Granoff's current training involves weekly recovery loops and distance walks of up to 23 miles, with his projected finish time of 7 hours and 40 minutes compared against this historical benchmark.
The players
Marty Granoff
A 90-year-old athlete from Saddle River training to complete the New York City Marathon.
Sam Gadless
A past participant who set a notable age-related completion record for the marathon at age 92 in 1999.
The details
To prepare for the 26.2-mile course, Granoff incorporates daily activity, including weekday walks of 7 to 12 miles and weekend long-distance sessions reaching up to 23 miles. He also utilizes recovery loops and hill training to maintain stamina. His goal is to finish within the official regulation time for the event.
Timeline
1982: Marty Granoff set his personal marathon record of 3 hours and 36 minutes.
1983: Granoff last competed in the New York City Marathon, finishing in 4 hours.
1999: Sam Gadless finished the race at age 92 in 9 hours and 28 minutes.
November 2025: Granoff initiated his current marathon training program.
November 1, 2026: The New York City Marathon takes place.
Health Landscape
This effort follows the precedent set by Sam Gadless, who completed the marathon at age 92 in 1999. It reflects ongoing interest in the capacity for sustained aerobic performance among older adults participating in long-distance endurance events.
Granoff's routine underscores the importance of consistent, low-impact distance training for maintaining mobility in later years. Older adults interested in beginning or returning to a high-exertion sport like distance running should consult their physician regarding cardiovascular clearance.
The takeaway
Granoff’s journey illustrates that intentional, long-term preparation can support endurance goals well into one's 90s. Before embarking on a high-intensity training regimen, discuss your heart health and physical limitations with a physician to ensure your goals remain safe and sustainable.
Further reading
For more on endurance training and racing, explore our Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by North Jersey.
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