Joy Johnson, 86, the oldest female runner in the New York City marathon, died just hours after completing the race, her daughter said Tuesday. It’s still unclear whether the cause of death was related to the marathon. Johnson completed the race in just under eight hours, and was resting in her hotel room Monday and never woke up, her daughter said. Johnson fell and hit her head around mile 20 of the 26.2-mile race, and responders at the First Aid tent suggested she go to the hospital. Johnson, who was able to speak clearly, opted to finish the race instead. Johnson event felt well enough to venture to the Today show the following morning.
