At 79, Mildred Baker Runs Her First Half Marathon

Mildred Baker, a member of NYRR Striders, placed second in her age group at the 2024 NYRR Frosty 5K.

Mildred Baker started running in 2023 as a member of NYRR Striders, a free program that offers physical activity for older adults. She’s run 13 NYRR races in less than two years, and this month, at age 79, she’ll run her first half marathon at the United Airlines NYC Half.

Mildred joined Striders through the Kips Bay Castle Hill Senior Center in the Bronx and quickly became a regular at weekly workouts. A longtime NYC resident, she was looking to get more physically active.

She loves the walking and fitness activities, but Striders means more to her. “It’s made me more open,” she said. “Wherein I did not communicate or talk to anyone, now it seems like they have pulled the good out of me.”

About her fellow Striders, she added, “[they] are like a family to me.”


Mildred also discovered an inner competitive drive she didn't know she possessed. She cherishes a small plaque commemorating her second-place age-group finish at the 2024 NYRR Frosty 5K. “I didn’t know about it, that I came in second place. It made me feel great—I can do this,” she said.

Her coach, Mitch Strong, is impressed by Mildred’s progress, and feels confident it will continue, especially as she looks ahead to turning 80 next year. “This sport is one of the few sports that you look forward to getting older,” he said. “You go to the next age group and you’re the youngster, so it’s your time to really shine."

Mildred can't wait to take on the United Airlines NYC Half—her longest race to date—and she’ll be thrilled to cross the finish line whether she earns another age-group award or not.

“I’m so excited because I would have never thought I would be running this far. I can’t believe this is really me," she said. "I am ready for March 16. I’m not worried about my overall time and have put that in the back of my head. As long as I can make it across that finish line, I’ll be happy!”