New Zealand’s Garth Barfoot Triumphs as Oldest Finisher at 2024 New York Marathon at Age 88

In a remarkable display of resilience, 88-year-old Kiwi Garth Barfoot has completed the New York Marathon, becoming the oldest finisher in this year’s race. Known for his adventurous spirit and determination, Barfoot exceeded his prior attempt in 2023, fulfilling a personal goal to cross the finish line.

“I was frightened it would get too dark before I finished, and it would be hard for me to get back to base, so after 30km I stopped,” Barfoot recalled of his 2023 effort.

A year later, he returned with renewed resolve, achieving his ambition and adding this historic marathon to his long list of endurance feats.

The patriarch of Barfoot & Thompson, one of New Zealand’s leading real estate firms, completed the 42.2-kilometre course through the bustling streets of New York City in 11 hours, 23 minutes, and 49 seconds.

With more than 30 marathons and Ironman triathlons behind him, Barfoot has shown that age is no barrier to achieving athletic milestones.

Reflecting on his strategy during the race, Barfoot said he focused on advice from his Pilates instructor. “I think about doing all the things my Pilates instructor has told me to do, be tall. She says try to put your head through the roof of the tent – don’t slouch.”

His career in real estate has been one of distinction, helping to shape Barfoot & Thompson into a respected name in the industry.

However, in the second half of his life, Barfoot has also taken on the world of endurance sports, completing his first Rotorua Marathon in 1990 alongside his wife, Judy.

Since then, he has gone on to run 17 more Rotorua Marathons and taken part in numerous other endurance events.

While Barfoot was believed to hold the title of the oldest runner in New York Marathon history, that record remains with former US Marine Jonathan Mendes, who completed the race in 2016 at age 96.

Nevertheless, Barfoot’s achievement marks him as one of the oldest New Zealanders to complete the iconic event, second only to Colin Thorne, who finished the race in 2013 at age 89.

Barfoot’s journey serves as a powerful inspiration, underscoring that passion and perseverance can indeed defy the limits of age.