Fairbanks woman runs 70 miles in 3 days to celebrate turning 70

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) - Fairbanks runner Jane Lanford has partnered up with the Shelter Box to raise funds for disaster relief - by running 70 miles in three days - as part of her 70th birthday celebration.

Lanford started her run on Saturday on the Denali Highway and finished on Monday.

She said she’s completed many long-distance marathons in her life and is very used to long runs.

“[70 miles in 3 days is] easier [than a marathon] in my view because you can take breaks,” said Lanford. “You just have to get the mileage done sometime during the day.”

Harsh weather conditions were Lanford’s biggest challenge, she explained.

“I had sun, overcast clouds, a lot of rain, hail sideways, sleet, snow up in the upper elevations,” said Lanford.

“It was hard to run into the wind, into the rain for many miles, but I got there.”

Lanford said that even though this was her last birthday run, she hopes to set an example for future runners.

“I’m trying to come to terms with how much I’ve slowed down in the past few years, but it’s okay,” said Lanford.

“I hope to inspire other people to run.”

Lanford set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for ShelterBox, a non-profit that ensures no one goes without shelter following a disaster.

Editor’s note: Alaska’s News Source makes no representations or warranties of any kind about the authenticity, accuracy, or reliability of any GoFundMe campaign. Any donations you make to such campaigns are strictly at your own risk. If you have any questions related to the authenticity, accuracy, or reliability of a GoFundMe campaign, please contact GoFundMe directly or consult the GoFundMe Guarantee Policy.

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