Janis Robb is living proof that age is no barrier when it comes to achieving your fitness goals. At 70 years old, this ball of energy has become a distance running dynamo.

This year, Robb has already completed two half marathons: the Tarawera Ultra-Trail and the Hatuma Half Marathon in Waipukurau. She averages about three half marathons a year.

“That was the first time I have done the Tarawera; it was a great event.”

She ran the 23-kilometer race in 3 hours and 20 minutes.

“I love the 10K and half-marathon distances,” said Robb, who also participates in the Toi’s Challenge each year.

Known affectionately as “The Pink Lady,” Robb sports head-to-toe pink running gear when she competes. Her signature pink extends to her gardening work, as she runs her own gardening business, and works about five or six hours a day.

Recently, Robb added to her medal collection at the Master’s Games in Wanganui, where she won three gold medals in the 10km, 3km, and 400-metre events, plus a silver medal in the 800m – all in the 70-74 age group.

“The oldest competitor there was 97, and he ran the 100m and 60m events. He was amazing.”

Running runs in the family as well. Robb’s 15-year-old grandson, George, will join her for the Wellington Half Marathon in July. She’s also hoping George’s mother (Robb’s daughter, Ange Penney) will take part.

“Ten years ago, I did my first half marathon with Ange. Now, her husband has completed the Coast to Coast. Next year, I plan to run the Wellington Half Marathon with George’s brother, Seb, who’s 13.”

To maintain her fitness, Robb runs five days a week. “I get up at 6am and run about 10 kilometres. I love running along the riverbank to the yacht club and back,” she said.

She is also a keen participant at the weekly 5km Park Runs, held every Saturday morning, having recently completed her 91st event.

“It is such a great event, and they are such a lovely group of people. It is five  kilometres and you can run or walk, take your dogs, take your kids in pushchairs.”

Robb is no stranger to hard work and the outdoors. Raised on a farm, she said her children now run the family’s beef and sheep farm in Mangaweka, just south of Taihape.

“I also worked in a nursery for 11 years.”

Robb began running 30 years ago at the age of 40. She had recently quit smoking and knew she needed to find a way to stay healthy.

“When I started, running, 100 metres was a struggle.”

Six months later, she completed her first half marathon in Taupō.

“You’d be surprised at how many older people are out there running these days.

“Running has come back into fashion, but it is not just running, people of all ages are out walking, too.”