Joyce "Tata" Nduku, affectionately known as the Granny Marathoner, is a Kenyan marathon enthusiast runner who has defied age barriers in the sport. She began her running journey at the age of 50, motivated by a desire to improve her health and prevent lifestyle diseases.
At 56, she completed the Two Oceans ultra-marathon in South Africa, running 56 km as a birthday feat. Since then, Nduku has completed several World Marathon Majors, including the Chicago Marathon (2008), the New York Marathon (2019), and the Boston Marathon (2021). She hopes to eventually run in all six major marathons, with her sights set on Berlin, London, and Tokyo. Her dedication to running has earned her admiration in Kenya’s growing community of recreational runners, where she is fondly called Tata, a term of endearment meaning grandmother, in her native Kamba dialect.
Beyond personal achievements, Nduku has also used her passion for running to support charitable causes. In 2014, she ran a marathon to raise funds for a young boy in her village who was born with rectal malformation, ensuring he could receive life-changing surgery, supporting a child in need of therapy and school fees, and contributing to Shoe4Africa’s children’s cancer hospital in Eldoret.
Nduku continues to inspire many with her resilience and commitment to fitness. She maintains a healthy diet, primarily consisting of plant-based proteins and vegetables from her own kitchen garden. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of an active lifestyle at any age.
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This 70-Year-Old Kenyan Woman Runs Every Day
Running in many African rural areas remains a natural part of daily life—children run to school, workers walk long distances for jobs, herders cover vast terrains, and elite athletes see it as a path out of poverty. However, in urban centers, running is increasingly perceived as a trendy, lifestyle-oriented activity rather than a common practice. This has created a disconnect between mainstream society and urban populations.
Despite running being an accessible sport requiring minimal equipment, most urban residents do not engage in it regularly. Instead, many only watch elite athletes on TV. This is concerning given the rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases—such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer—which now account for over half of deaths and hospital admissions in Kenya and Africa at large.
