Rice

Rice

Baby 

At 77, Jeannie Rice is one of the most celebrated age-group runners in the world. With over 130 marathons completed, multiple world records to her name and the coveted AbbottWMM Six Star medal around her neck, Jeannie’s running story is inspiring to say the least. We caught up with her to talk Majors, motivation and what it really takes to keep running strong for four decades… 

What was it that inspired you to pursue the Six Star Medal? 
I’ve been running for 42 years, and I love traveling. So for me, chasing the Majors was the perfect way to combine running and seeing the world. I’ve always planned trips around marathons, and completing all six felt like such a special achievement - especially knowing how few people in the world have done it. 

Do any of the six stand out as a favourite? 
Every one of them is special! But Chicago has a place in my heart - I set a world record there at age 70. Then the following year in Berlin, I broke that record by another three minutes! Berlin is beautiful and very fast - I recommend it to everyone. In Tokyo, I set the course record even though I didn’t get the world record that time. And Boston will always be iconic - I set the course record there for women aged 75+, and I was told no one has ever run that fast in that age group. So you can see, it is hard to pick just one as a stand out!  

How did it feel to earn your Six Star medal? 
Unforgettable. I got my sixth star in Tokyo two years ago. It should’ve happened four years earlier, but COVID delayed it. That finish line moment was emotional - I knew it was my sixth Major and I won my division, and then they handed me that big, beautiful medal. It was very, very special. I really would recommend this journey to every runner. 

What kind of preparation went into chasing those Majors, and records? 
Running a marathon is doable if you’re a runner. But training to do your best - that’s the hard part. The real work is in the day-to-day training: the mileage, the early mornings, the cold weather runs. You need what I call the Three Ds: Dedication, Discipline, and Determination. 

What does a typical training week look like for you? 
I run about 50 miles a week year-round. When I’m gearing up for a race, that goes up to 60-70 miles. I run six days a week and mostly outdoors, I’ll use the treadmill if I really need to. When I am in Florida, I do aqua jogging and upper body strength training three times a week. I also golf here and there - but I keep my legs fresh! 

How has your training evolved over the years? 
I started running at 35, just to lose a few pounds after a vacation. I ran around the block and then entered a five-mile race, which led to my first marathon just a few months later. I ran 3:45 in that first one, then 3:16 in my second, and not long after I qualified for Boston. That was in 1985 - and I’ve been hooked ever since. 

Have you dealt with any injuries? How do you recover? 
I’ve never had a serious running injury like Achilles or hamstring issues. My only breaks have come from falls! Once I fell and hit my knee and had to take three weeks off. Another time I twisted my ankle just before Berlin and missed the race. Recovery is part of the process and sometimes rest is just what you need. 

What keeps you motivated to keep racing and training at such a high level? 
Once I started breaking records, that lit a fire. I’m very competitive, and I know others are coming for my times! But I’m still healthy, I love moving and I believe age is just a number. You’ve got to keep going and keep doing what you love. 

What about the days you don’t feel like running? 
Oh, bad weather definitely makes me want to stay in bed! But I know I’ll regret skipping it, so I always get up and go. Running is part of my life - it’s like going to work. I get up, have coffee, go run, then start the rest of my day. 

Which of your records are you most proud of? 
The one in Chicago when I turned 70. I had the American age-group record time stuck to my fridge and looked at it every day. When I finally broke it, the calls and messages I received made it so memorable. I went even faster three years later, and every time I move into a new age category, I’m chasing new records again. 

Do you have a running bucket list? 
Absolutely! I completed Cape Town already. Now I’m aiming for Sydney, Shanghai, Athens and maybe Edinburgh. My goal is to stay healthy and strong into my 80s and to inspire younger runners. I love when people come up to me after races and say I’ve inspired them. That means the world to me. 

What’s been the key to your longevity and success in the sport? 
Discipline, plain and simple. I eat well, sleep well and stay hydrated. I take electrolytes before big races. And mentally, I stay focused. It’s a lifestyle for me. 

You have the highest V0₂ max at 47.8 ever recorded for a woman aged 75 years or older, what do you put this down to?  
I am just a normal person and runner, I do run with people 10/20 years younger than me regularly and I can keep up so perhaps it is something to do with that. I think the fact that I have never struggled with running-related injuries has meant that over the years I have been able to be so consistent with my training – that may have helped get me to where I am today.  

What advice would you give to older runners who want to stay active and competitive? 
Set a goal! It doesn’t matter what it is. Maybe it’s finishing a marathon or placing in your age group. Stick to it, stay healthy, listen to your body and don’t overdo it. And remember the Three Ds - Dedication, Discipline and Determination. 

Do you have any running heroes? 
Joan Benoit Samuelson. She won the first women’s Olympic marathon in 1984, just as I was starting to run. Her focus and dedication really inspired me. We’ve met a few times since and even shared a podium at Boston! 

What’s next for you? 
Sydney is coming up which I am especially excited about now it is part of the new Seven Star challenge. Then hopefully Shanghai and Athens. As long as I’m healthy, I’m not slowing down. 

Finally, what would you say to someone thinking about starting the Six Star journey, especially later in life? 
Go for it! It’s never too late. It’s a great goal and a beautiful experience. Don’t let age stop you. Find a community, train smart and enjoy every step of the journey. And remember - don’t skip the social side of running! I love the camaraderie just as much as the medals.