Oldest Female Finisher At NYC Marathon Dies After Race

86-year-old Joy Johnson finished Sunday’s New York City Marathon in 7:57:41. She passed away the next day. 

Joy Johnson, 86, finished Sunday’s New York City Marathon in 7 hours, 57 minutes and 41 seconds, making her the oldest finisher in the race. Sadly, the San Jose, Calif., resident passed away on Monday after laying down to rest in her hotel room, according to the New York Daily News.

“At least she was running, the way she wanted to go,” said Johnson’s daughter, Diana Boydston, of San Jose.

Johnson, who appeared on the “Today” show Monday morning, completed the race for the 25th time on Sunday. She fell at mile 20 and hit her head, according to reports, but insisted on finishing the race.

“I always say I’m going to run until I drop,” Johnson was quoted as saying the day before the race. “I’m going to die in my tennis shoes. I just don’t know when I’m going to quit.”

For More: New York Daily News