Age is just a registration category
Turning 70 at the beginning of October has not slowed down one Bedford triathlete and marathon runner, who is now preparing for her next sporting confrontation saying, “age is just a registration category”.
Nora Haggart is now eyeing up her next challenge in a journey from non-swimmer in 2007 to completing a vast amount of lung-busting events heading into her eighth decade in 2026.
Nora, who is still working as a part-time health and beauty therapist, celebrated her milestone birthday at the beginning of October, and in her time, has completed more than 30 marathons as well as a number of triathlons and ironmans.
Nora’s journey into triathlon began at Robinson Pools and Fitness in 2007, when she volunteered as a marshal, sparking an inner fire that saw her turn to the event itself after learning to swim.
She also turned to running, joining Bedford Harriers in 2004 and taking part in the ‘Race for Life 5k’ in memory of her Mother who passed away in 2001, creating another passion for endurance running.
Marathons in London and Dublin followed, before 30 other city marathons, including five of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Having qualified for the Tokyo Marathon, due to take place in March 2027, Nora is now preparing to complete the original six-race series to earn the coveted ‘Six-Star Medal’.
“Learning to swim at Robinson Pools and Fitness was a turning point for me, giving me the confidence to take on the triathlon”, said Nora.
“The lessons helped me overcome my nerves in the water, improve my breathing and technique, and build the stamina needed to progress in the sport.”
Not content with merely running marathons, Nora’s success extends beyond pounding the streets.
Other extraordinary achievements include a first place age-group finish at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in France in September, as well as a fourth place at the same event in Utah in 2022.
Her next challenge is the World Standard Duathlon in Abu Dhabi in November.
“It has been wonderful to see the progress Nora has made”, added GLL swim coach Tim Smith.
“When she first came to me, we worked on her kicking technique, body position, stability in the water and arm strength.
“Since then, her kick has become much more effective, and her stroke has improved in strength, efficiency and consistency.
“To see Nora now competing internationally, achieving podium finishes and continuing to push herself to new heights is absolutely wonderful. I’m incredibly proud of her and all she has achieved.
“Nora’s journey is a fantastic reminder that, with time, effort and perseverance, we can achieve things we might never have imagined possible.
“Being a swimming teacher is about more than teaching someone to swim; it’s about building confidence, overcoming challenges and helping people realise their potential, whatever their age or ambitions.
“Nora is a real inspiration and a wonderful example of what can happen when you’re willing to learn, put in the work and never give up on yourself.”
And as she enters her seventies, Nora’s story is a powerful example of how one experience at a local pool can be the starting point to a wonderful sporting adventure.
“Age is just a registration category, not a boundary”, added Nora.