Passion for running at 83

WESTERN BUREAU:

An 83-year-old, Gerline Nelson, had the crowd at her feet when she lined up for the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K event in Negril, Westmoreland, last Sunday morning.

Diminutive in stature but big at heart, the celebrity she left there as was a motivation for the more than 1,600 participants, many of whom took pictures with her and said she inspired them.

Nelson, who crossed the line in one hour, 29 minutes and 29 seconds, to huge cheers, said after the race on Sunday: "The race was good and I thank God. This morning when I was about to leave out to come here I had muscle contract in both legs but told the devil that I'm not a victim, I am a victor. I ran and finished the race."

Nelson who celebrated her 83rd birthday last Friday shared her inspirational experience of how she got started in running at 66 years old.

"In 2006, when I was 66 Mary Salmon asked me to run for St James in a senior citizens track and field meet. They put me up against the three fastest and I got the better of all three, both male and female in the 100 metres," Nelson said.

"How I start doing long distance was the Monday before I went to Kingston, I was at home and a voice told me to run to Adelphi, which is a mile from where I live in Lima. I did and got an important letter, which is what I think God wanted me to get.

"I think it was also practice because when I went to Kingston they started the meet with 1,500 metres. From then, I am the queen of the long-distance race. I went on that year to be the Caribbean champion from the 60 and over," she added.

When asked about the possibility of her still running maybe when she hits the century mark, Nelson said she is hoping God gives her the strength to continue well beyond the landmark.

"I believe I am going to be running at 150. When I can't run I'm going to walk, when I can't walk I'll go in the wheelchair and when the wheelchair can't push me, I'll ask to be put at the side where I can watch everyone and cheer them on. I have a passion for running," Nelson said.