Ottawa runner Jennifer MacDonell sets marathon world record at age 70

Jennifer MacDonell, a 70-year-old runner from Ottawa, set a new world-best time for women aged 70 to 74 at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, completing the 42.2-kilometre race in 3 hours, 23 minutes and 59 seconds. The performance is pending official ratification.

Recent achievements

Following her performance in Toronto, MacDonell competed in the Hamilton Marathon Road2Hope on Nov. 1, 2026. According to Canadian Running Magazine, she finished the half-marathon in 1:39:42, which would set a new Canadian W70-74 half-marathon record, pending confirmation. This time surpassed the previous record of 1:44:31 set by Roslyn Smith in March 2023.

MacDonell's recent season includes several age-group records:

• Oct. 9: Canadian age-group mile record of 6:51 at the Beneva Marathon de Montréal.
• Oct. 10: Canadian age-group 5K record of 21:40.
• Toronto Waterfront Marathon: World-best time for women aged 70 to 74.

Training and background

MacDonell began running in her mid-30s along the Rideau Canal. She has completed more than 20 marathons, including races in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. Her current training routine includes running most days of the week, sometimes seven days a week, under the guidance of coach Steve Boyd.

MacDonell's husband, Norman Marcotte, is also an endurance athlete who has competed in Ironman races and marathons. Marcotte described MacDonell as "totally amazing and very inspiring."

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Sources

• cp24.com: Ottawa runner makes marathon history at 70
• runningmagazine.ca: 70-year-old Ottawa runner sets her fourth age-group record in a month - Canadian Running Magazine

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