Name: Irene Taylor

What she did: Veteran runner Irene Taylor, native Alaskan and part-time Arizonan, ran the 126th 2022 Boston Marathon on April 18 and placed first in her age group with a time of 4 hours and 41 minutes. The third time was the charm as she had run two previous Boston Marathons. The most prestigious marathon in the world attracts runners from all over the world and had its first Patriots Day running since Spring 2019. About 25,000 runners crossed the finish line at this oldest marathon event in the USA. This year also marks the 50th anniversary for women being allowed to compete at Boston. One woman who was in that first group 50 years ago ran in the same group as Irene. An after-race award dinner was held for the winners of each age group and race directors at Fenway Park.

Age: 75

Town/neighborhood: Gold Canyon, Arizona; and Anchorage, Alaska.

When and why I moved here: 1998. Love the area as does my husband.

What I like most about living here: Area has everything we love to do. Hiking, biking and running. It is a perfect area for distance running and bike training. Lots of wonderful supportive friends.

What I do: Lots of outdoor activity. Nearly every day we go running, biking, hiking or flying in our amphibious airplane based at Falcon Field. Visit with our great neighbors with frequent get-togethers.

What I like most about what I do: When training for marathon races and other races, I really enjoy greeting fellow residents of Gold Canyon. I enjoy picking up litter when out running or walking. Also really love taking in the stunning views that Gold Canyon offers every day.

Changes I’d like to see in this area: More animal waste receptacles, less building in the gorgeous desert, less traffic congestion on U.S. Highway 60.

Favorite community cause & why: Supporting Lost Dutchman Marathon, supporting A.D.OB.E., supporting athletic charitable causes. Encourage healthy lifestyle through good nutrition and regular exercise. Expand awareness of indigenous peoples contribution to American society.

My family: Five children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

My interests and hobbies: In addition to running, I enjoy sewing, crafts, decorating and cooking.

The trait(s) I admire in others: Respectfulness, empathy, honesty and optimism.

People who inspired me (and how): My triathlete husband Randy who got me started running, biking, hiking and learning what I could be capable of doing, much of which we continue to enjoy together.

My guiding philosophy: Believe in yourself and never give up.