Sports

86-Year-Old San Jose Woman Dies After Finishing NYC Marathon

Runner Joy Johnson had completed the 26.2-mile course through New York City for the 25th time on Sunday.

The oldest female runner in the New York City Marathon this year died the day after crossing the finish line of the historic race this weekend.

San Jose resident Joy Johnson, 86, died on Monday after she successfully ran the 26.2-mile course through New York City for the 25th time on Sunday, race spokesman Chris Weiller said today.

Weiller, spokesman for New York Road Runners, which organizes the annual race, said Johnson had come to the medical tent after she crossed the finish line. "She was alert and in good spirits," he said. She told the medical team she had fallen on the course and that a "nice person" helped her up and that she had continued running.

Johnson finished the race in just under eight hours and placed fourth in her age group. She was evaluated by the medical team, who advised that she go to the hospital for further evaluation. She declined, Weiller said.

Weiller said race organizers have been in touch with her grown daughter, who lives in the San Jose area.

Weiller said, "We are saddened to hear about the passing of Joy." He said she was "well liked" and described her as "an amazing women" who inspired others.

Johnson was part of a group called the "Streakers" who are runners who have raced more than 15 straight NYC marathons.

He said Johnson had won her age group six times in the past 25 years. This year she was the oldest woman and one of 18 octogenarians -- four women and 14 men -- who competed in the race.

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