Lucien Libert

At age 83,Barbara Humbert dreams of taking part in next year's“Marathon for All”race at the Paris Olympic Games.It is the first event of its kind,permitting amateur athletes to run the same race path as the Olympic marathon athletes.

Humbert has a history of success,suggesting she could beat some runners half her age.Not a usual great-grandmother,the German-born Frenchwoman runs 50 kilometers a week.She has competed in many marathons and has the medals to show for it.“It's extraordinary to have the Olympics in Paris,”said Humbert at her home in Eaubonne.The town is one hour's drive north of Paris.“It would be a gift for my 60th marathon,”she added.

However,Humbert is unsure if she will get to compete in the race because the number of runners is limited.In marathons,runners often receive race bibs——a piece of paper with a number on it to identify the runner.Race bibs for the“Marathon for All”will be limited to 20,024,to be chosen in a random draw.

Many medals hang at the entrance of Barbara's home.They remind Barbara of all the races she has been part of,from Athens to Boston and many other cities.More than 40 years after she first started racing,Humbert beat a world record in her group during the French athletics championships last year.Humbert wants others to follow in her footsteps.She said of running,“It gives you balance.You run,you empty your head,and you feel so much better afterwards.”

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What are the advantages of running according to Humbert?