Being on the other side of 80 years old might take a bit of spring out of the step for some people but it hasn't slowed down Clasina Van der Veeken.
At yesterday's ActiveSmart Whangarei half marathon and fun run/walk, the 82-year old was in fine form - running across the finish line in 2h 51m.
Mrs Van der Veeken was also in good company, having her daughter Liz Davies and granddaughter Jenny Hawker, Ms Davies' niece, with her every step of the way. Ms Hawker's time was 2h 33m and Ms Davies completed the event in 2h 51m.
Mrs Van der Veeken started stepping out when she turned 60 and has since chalked up many marathons. Whangarei locals Ms Davies, Mrs Van der Veeken and her son Raymond Van der Veeken have recently returned from taking part in a full marathon in Perth.
Earlier this year Mrs Van der Veeken ran the full Rotorua Marathon in a time of 5h 55m.
"She's got better legs than any of us," Ms Hawker said of her "Oma" (grandmother).
Meanwhile, Ms Hawker, who had driven up for the event from her home in Te Awamutu, was pleased with her time and "had a great time".
"It was a beautiful layout, very scenic and a good crowd," she said of the event.
Sport Northland received a record 862 entries for the event.