Trailblazing 77-Year-Old Ohio Runner: From Divorce to Marathon Dominance

Ohio-Based Runner Jeannie Rice: The 77-Year-Old Who Left Her Marriage, Beat a Man at Boston, and Chased History

Jeannie Rice embarked on her running journey at age 35, but her true legacy emerged decades later.

August 19, 2026

This article was last updated by Suruchi on August 20, 2026

Jeannie Rice, a 77-year-old Ohio-based marathon runner, has captivated the running community with historic achievements and relentless determination.

In April 2026, the South Korean-born athlete triumphed at the Boston Marathon, outperforming male competitors in her age bracket.

Rice holds multiple world records across distances from 1,500 meters to full marathons within her 70-79 age group.

Her personal story intertwines with her athletic success, revealing how marital challenges shaped her resolve.

Jeannie Rice married Don Whitaker, but their union dissolved after 17 years when her spouse prioritized domestic stability over her athletic ambitions.

"My husband didn’t hinder my training, yet never attended my races," shared Rice, highlighting emotional distance despite physical presence.

She transitioned to real estate work, focusing entirely on marathon preparation while raising two sons and welcoming two granddaughters.

Jeannie Rice Shares Two Sons With Former Husband, Don Whitaker

Despite marital dissolution, family bonds remain central to her life.

She proudly raises two sons, Allen and Kevin Rice, and two granddaughters, Alyssa and Bailey Rice.

Her son Kevin followed her footsteps in competitive running, achieving notable results at regional marathons.

Granddaughter Alyssa continues the legacy with consistent half-marathon participation across U.S. states.

In Case You Didn’t Know

Born April 14, 1948, in South Korea, Rice relocated to Ohio at 18 for nursing education.
Currently holds world record for fastest woman aged 75-79 in 1500m, 5km, or 10km categories.