100-year-old woman sets record for 100-meter dash

A retired teacher who works as a volunteer at a South Carolina middle school has set a new world record for the 100-meter dash about one week after celebrating her 100th birthday.

Ella Mae Colbert, who has been running track since high school, shattered the current record for 100-year-old runners of 1 minute 17 seconds, and crossed the finish line in 46.791 seconds, Fox5NY.com reported.

Although she fell during her first attempt, she said her 3-mile runs with her nephews and niece are what help to keep her active. She also credited God when asked her secret to living.

“I don’t know what it is except God’s goodness,” she told Fox5NY.com, adding that she has been running since high school.

Officials with Medallion Athletes were at the track to record Colbert’s time, and her nephew applied to the Guinness Book of World Records to make sure her record is honored.