The Cornish septuagenarian has been crowned the 2025 Marathon Majors world champion.
Andrea Simmons, 71, from Cornwall, was named the fastest runner in the 70+ category at the 2025 TCS New York Marathon, winning the 2025 Marathon Majors world champion crown.
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Completing the New York challenge in 3 hours, 37 minutes and 48 seconds, his remarkable performance earned him top honors among tens of thousands of international competitors in one of the most prestigious running events in the world.
It’s not the first time this year that Andrea, from Newlyn, has traveled the world and been crowned the fastest 70-year-old.
In April, she competed in the Boston Marathon, once again taking first place in the 70 and over category.
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The Boston and New York marathons are two of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the others being London, Berlin, Chicago and Tokyo.
The New York race was the age group championship, meaning Andrea now holds the world champion title for 2025.
She said: “New York was incredible.
“I was worried about the early start, getting up at 4 a.m. to catch the 5 a.m. bus for departure.
“We arrived in Staten Island around 6 a.m. in the dark and had to wait 3 hours before the race started.
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“I don’t really remember the race.
“The start was incredible, I crossed the bridge for 2 miles.
“I felt good and I was worried that I had started too quickly.
“However, I knew I had to keep the pace all the way to the podium; fortunately, I was able to maintain a strong pace, and it proved successful.
“It was a great experience, especially walking through Central Park at the end.”
Andrea still has three races to complete in the World Majors, which she intends to complete in 2026.
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Japan awaits you in March, Cape Town in May for the World Championship and Chicago in October.
His journey will earn him the coveted six-star Abbott World Marathon Majors medal.
“I hope it will be seven if Cape Town qualifies,” she added with a smile.
Andrea’s impressive achievements are well recognized by the running club she is a member of – Hayle Runners.
She currently holds the title of “Veteran of the Year” for the club.
Andrea Simmons. (Image: Oz Curtis)
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Club chairman Richard Collett said: “We are extremely proud of Andrea.
“His result in New York not only demonstrates exceptional athletic endurance, but also highlights his status as a global inspiration to expert athletes and older runners around the world.”
A proud member of the Hayle Runners, Andrea credits the club’s group atmosphere and structured training plan with transforming her approach to running.
“I love the social side of running, being outside and enjoying the elements,” she explained.
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“I loved being part of a running club and have improved a lot since I joined.
“Above all, I like running in a group and progressing.
“I’ve always been a lone runner with no real goal.”
According to Run Britain, in her 70+ age category, Andrea is the fastest UK-affiliated marathon runner, the second fastest half marathon runner and the third fastest 10k runner in 2025.
When not competing in global marathons, Andrea also completes the ‘Super Halfs’ half marathon series – winning first place at the Prague Half Marathon in April this year, finishing in 1:44:40.
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After trying running in her 30s, it wasn’t until Andrea reached her 50s that she really hit her stride.
She uses the Cornish elements to her advantage: “Running in Cornwall is always a challenge.
“There are no flat tracks and, living by the sea, you continually have to battle the wind.
“It can only make you a better runner.”
Between world races, Andrea continues to represent Cornwall at local events, achieving podium finishes both locally and internationally.
