But it's not worth it at this age?

  • May 28, 2026
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We report on a runner who, at the age of 87, while being the reigning European champion in the 10 km and half-marathon M85, was denied a revision surgery for foot drop after a failed L5/S1 left isthmectomy due to age and poor prognosis. A revision surgery by another surgeon was successful, and at the age of 91, the runner set a European record in the M90 category for both the half-marathon and marathon distances. At 92, he improved the European record in the half-marathon and became the first European in M90 to run under 3 hours. At 94, he set an IAU world record in the 12-hour run in M90. He passed away at the age of 102. The refusal of revision surgery in older age should be critically reconsidered.

But it’s not worth it at this age?