Ever met someone who just thrives on challenges? That’s Anneke Wester for you! This incredible 71-year-old from the tiny Frisian village of Iens has run marathons all over the globe, from the freezing North Pole to the scorching Sahara Desert. And now, according to Omrop Fryslân, she’s gearing up for her next big adventure: a marathon in Australia!
From Big Apple to frozen tundra: Anneke runs the world (literally!)
Anneke’s love for running started a bit later in life, but it quickly turned into a passion. She discovered how much running improved her health, which pushed her to conquer her first marathon – the iconic New York City Marathon (a whopping 42 kilometers, in case you forgot!). But Anneke didn’t stop there. She craved even bigger challenges, which led her to the North Pole for one of her most extreme races yet!
The North Pole marathon was anything but a leisurely stroll on the beach. Imagine pounding the pavement in -33 degrees Celsius with a wind that could steal your breath. Many runners threw in the towel after just 21 kilometers, defeated by the cold. But Anneke wasn’t one to give up. “I crossed all these oceans to get here,” she thought. “No way I’m turning back now!” Her determination propelled her forward, even as the brutal weather conditions left her hands and feet swollen and numb.
After conquering the coldest marathon, Anneke decided to tackle the hottest: a race through the blistering sands of the Sahara Desert!
Kangaroos and Ayers Rock: Anneke’s outback bucket list race
Anneke is super excited for her next adventure – the Australian Outback Marathon! She can’t wait to run around Ayers Rock, a sacred site for the Aboriginal people. “The scenery there looks amazing, and I can’t wait to experience it all firsthand,” she says.
Anneke credits her great genes and fitness for her success, but she believes anyone can enjoy the benefits of running. “You don’t have to run a marathon! Even just running a few kilometers can make you feel fantastic and improve your health,” she advises. Her message to everyone is simple: keep running, never give up, and get fit for life!
Anneke flies to Australia on Sunday and races on July 27th. Her story is an inspiration to us all, showing that age is just a number and amazing things are possible!
