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Run today, run tomorrow: Raleigh woman's streak extends for decades

Aug 9, 2012

Every morning it's the same thing. Barbara Latta hits the road.

"I'm in such a habit of getting up every morning. I have my shoes ready. My shorts and bra ready. I just get dressed," she said.

Latta has been running every day for almost three decades. She's run every day for more than 28 years, more than 10,000 days in a row. 

"Even before I stop to think, I'm just up and out," she said.

Believe it or not, there is actually a list for streaks like Latta's. It's called the Official U.S.A. Active Running Streak List. Latta is listed at No. 65, and she currently holds the longest streak in the country for females.

"I've run in all 50 states and on all seven continents," she said.

And it's not always easy. While volunteering in Haiti recently, Latta had to get a bit creative.

"They would not let me out to run in the streets so I went up to the roof. I just ran back and forth," she said.

At 70 years old, Latta has run four marathons and so many races she can't keep track. Her pile of medals just keeps getting bigger, and the streak just gets longer

"I feel good," she said. "I'm sure I would feel bad if the streak ended. I know someday it will. I don't expect to run forever."

But she does expect to run tomorrow.

"I do it because I really enjoy running," Latta concluded.

 

• Reporter: Mandy Mitchell
• Web Editor: Jodi Leese Glusco