Shirley Young is world-record holding veteran ultra distance runner. She began running late in life yet has entered every one of the 34 Melbourne Marathons, as well as many ultra-marathon events.

Now aged 78, Shirley exemplifies the inspiration of the runner and her achievements in establishing numerous world and Australian age group records in all ultra-distances from 50 kms to 24 hours are extraordinary.

Her 20 world records have been amassed over a decade in three age groups: 60-64; 65-69 and 70-74, all of which are still currently standing. Shirley also holds numerous world records on the track in Masters Athletics.

At 70 years of age, she ran an amazing 176kms in 24 hours, a record that most experts believe will never be broken.

Shirley is now running a different race after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, however, in her fight against this adversity she is still training and competing.