5 Questions with Dr. Carolyn Swanson

Dr. Carolyn Swanson is a VIU professor and chair of the Philosophy department. She also runs marathons – and she’s fast. Based on her time in last year’s Royal Victoria Marathon, she was invited to run in the Age Group World Championships as part of the Sydney Marathon in Australia on September 15.

Since 2021, the Abbott World Marathon Majors have been hosting the Age Group World Championships(AGWC) – a competitive event for older runners (40+) in nine age categories.  Typically, the event is held within one of the marathon majors (Chicago, Boston, New York, London, Berlin or Tokyo).  This year, it was held in Sydney, as Sydney is in the the final stages of being certified as an Abbott World Marathon Major. Runners need to meet a highly competitive qualifying time to participate.

Carolyn ran in the 50-54 age group. She was 26 out of approximately 200 AGWC runners in her age/sex category. Based on this time, she has already been invited to run in the New York Marathon next year as part of the Age Group World Championships.

She finds marathon running rewarding – but getting through those last few kilometers is particularly challenging. Marathons are 42.2 km in length, which will deplete runners of their glycogen.

We caught up with Carolyn to learn a little bit more about her, what she enjoys about VIU and what keeps her running.

What made you want to become a university professor?

I think I just had a love of philosophy — and wanted to share that with others.

What are your favourite things about working at VIU? 

I enjoy the students — and seeing them get excited over philosophy. It’s especially rewarding when I see students improve in their writing and thinking skills, and start to see education as something that’s exciting and meaningful in their lives.

How long have you been running marathons and what do you like about taking on this challenge? 

Seven years now, but I’ve only done four marathons: Skagit Flats (2017), Boston (2018), Victoria (2023) and now Sydney (2024). I like competing and pushing my physical limits. The marathons also give me a good training goal.

What does it mean to you to be chosen to run in the Age Group World Championships? 

It’s a real honour for me. All the AGWC runners are very dedicated people and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to run with them. It’s also just a nice recognition, and validation as an athlete. 

Any advice for others considering taking up marathon running? 

Persistence is key. If you want it, you can do it. And don’t let age be a barrier. I ran my first marathon when I was 45 (and won first place out of the women). And I’ve met amazing athletes still running fast marathons in their late 70s!