Mike Fremont
Mike Fremont | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 23, 1922 |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Occupation(s) | Long-distance runner, canoeist, environmentalist |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Known for | Age-group marathon records |
| Spouse |
Marilyn Wall (m. 1993) |
Mike Fremont (born February 23, 1922) is an American long-distance runner and environmental advocate known for setting multiple age-group records in marathon and long-distance running events. He is also known for his advocacy of plant-based diets.
Career
Fremont was a mechanical engineer who established his own business in Cincinnati in 1948 and retired in 1988.[1] He began competitive running in his 60s.[2][3][4] He also began canoe racing at age 40 and continued past age 100.[5][6]
He has held single-age world records in the marathon for ages 80, 90, and 100, and has completed official races in his centenarian years.[7][8] In 2012, at the Marshall University Marathon in Huntington, West Virginia, Fremont completed the marathon in 6 hours, 35 minutes, and 47 seconds. This set a world record for the M90 group.[9]
Environmentalism
Fremont became an environmentalist in 1962 after reading Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring.[1] In 1966 he became an advocate of protecting and restoring rivers.[1] He has commented that "my main concern is for our planet: global warming and sustainability. We have a small group seeking ways to improve our international solutions to avoid certain extinction. We meet regularly on this and read profusely. And worry!"[10]
Personal life
Fremont resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.[5] His first wife died in 1958 from a brain haemorrhage.[5][1] He married Marilyn Wall in 1993.[5]
Fremont was diagnosed with colon cancer at aged 69.[2] He refused surgery and adopted a plant-based diet in 1991. Two years later when the tumour was removed the doctors found that the cancer had not spread in his body.[2] He has suggested that the Standard American diet caused his colon cancer as he was consuming such a diet for decades.[1] He credits his longevity to his plant-based diet, vegan lifestyle and daily movement.[2][9] In 2018 at aged 96, Fremont stated "the reason I continue to run (and race canoes long distance) is simply because I can. And in 27 years of being vegan, I’m convinced it’s this diet plus freedom from undue stress that is actually responsible for my activity at this age."[1] His diet consists of almond milk, fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, mushrooms, potatoes and tofu.[10]
References
- ^ a b c d e f Thompson, Jacky (2018). "Mike Fremont: 96 Years Young". Trailrunner. Archived from the original on November 27, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "103-year-old runner who rejected surgery claims he cured his cancer with vegan diet". The Financial Express. 2025-06-26. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ Dove, Patrick. "100-year-old celebrates birthday with run on the beach, party with friends". Treasure Coast. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "Diagnosed with cancer and arthritis at 69, now 103 and thriving, runner reveals what healed him naturally without medicine". The Economic Times. 2025-06-25. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ a b c d "100-Year-Old Runner Holds 4 World Records — and He's Still Lacing Up: 'I'm Having the Best Time of My Life'". People.com. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "Mike Fremont". The Rich Roll Podcast (Podcast). No. 697. August 11, 2022.
- ^ "Meet the 103-year-old runner making history at this year's Cincinnati's Flying Pig Marathon". WCPO 9 Cincinnati. 2025-05-01. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ Williams, Brady (2025-05-02). "103-year-old man the oldest to ever run in the Flying Pig". Fox19.com. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ a b "Mike Fremont: A 90-Year-Old Who Redefined What's Possible with a 6:35:47 Marathon". The Running Week. 2025. Archived from the original on June 24, 2025.
- ^ a b "Mike Fremont, vegan runner – Great Vegan Athletes". www.greatveganathletes.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2025. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
