Cornwall’s Andrea Simmons, age 71, has been named the fastest female runner in the 70+ category at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, taking the crown as the Marathon Majors Worldwide Champion 2025.
Completing the NYC challenge in a time of 3 hours, 37 minutes and 48 seconds, her remarkable performance earned her top honours among tens of thousands of international competitors in one of the world’s most prestigious running events.
It’s not the first time this year Andrea, from Newlyn, has travelled across the globe and been crowned fastest septuagenarian. In April she took part in the Boston Marathon, clinching first place once again in the 70+ age category.
Boston and New York City marathons are two of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the others being London, Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo. The NYC race was the age group championship – meaning Andrea now holds the title of Worldwide champion for 2025.
“New York was amazing. I was worried about the early start, getting up at 4am to catch the 5am bus to the start. We got to Staten Island about 6am in the dark and had to wait for 3 hours before the race began.”
“I don’t remember too much about the run. The start was amazing, running over the bridge for 2 miles. I felt good and was worried I had started off too fast. However, I knew I had to keep the pace up to podium; luckily, I was able to keep up a steady pace and it proved successful. It was a great experience, especially running through Central Park at the end.”
Andrea Simmons
Marathon Majors W70 Champion 2025
Andrea has three remaining races to complete in the World Majors, which she intends to finish in 2026.
Japan beckons in March, Cape Town in May for the World Championship, and Chicago in October. Her journey will see her collect the coveted Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star medal. “Hopefully, that will be seven if Cape Town qualifies,” she added with a smile.
Andrea’s impressive achievements are well recognised by the running club that she’s a member of – Hayle Runners. She currently holds the title as the club’s ‘Veteran of the Year’.
“We are enormously proud of Andrea. Her New York result not only demonstrates exceptional athletic endurance but also underscores her status as a global inspiration to masters athletes and older runners everywhere.”
Richard Collett
Club Chairman
A proud member of the Hayle Runners, Simmons 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. “I have loved being part of a running club and have improved so much since joining. Mostly, I love running in a group and progressing. I always used to be a solo runner with no real aim.”
Andrea Simmons
According to Run Britain, in her 70+ age category Andrea is the fastest UK affiliated marathon runner, second fastest half marathon runner and third fastest 10k runner throughout 2025.
When not competing in global marathons, Andrea is also completing the ‘Super Halfs’ half marathon series – taking first place at the Prague half marathon in April this year, finishing in 1:44:40.
After dabbling with running in her 30s, it wasn’t until Andrea hit 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 runs, and living by the sea you continually have the wind to contend with. This can only make you a better runner.”
Andrea Simmons
In between global races, Andrea continues to represent Cornwall in local events, achieving podium finishes locally as well as internationally.
