A visit to a local swimming pool almost 20 years ago sparked Nora Haggart’s sporting journey – and even after turning 70 she is showing no signs of slowing down.
It was at Robinson Pools and Fitness, in Bedford, where Nora learnt to swim back in 2007 and that has led to her competing internationally in triathlon and duathlon.
Nora, a part-time health and beauty therapist from Bromham, celebrated her milestone birthday on October 3. A member of Bedford Harriers since 2004, she has completed more than 30 marathons and achieved numerous podium finishes at international age-group competitions.
Nora’s journey into triathlon began in 2007, when she volunteered as a marshal at the Robinson Pool Sprint Triathlon. Fascinated by the athletes competing in the swim, bike and run event, she decided to learn to swim and take on the challenge herself.
Nora enrolled in swimming lessons at Robinson Pools and Fitness before going on to compete in the sprint triathlon herself. This marked the start of an impressive journey into endurance sport.
Nora’s journey into running began a few years earlier, following the loss of her mum to cancer in 2001. In 2004, she joined Bedford Harriers and took part in the Race for Life 5K in her mum’s memory. She soon discovered a passion for endurance running, completing the St Neots Half Marathon before making her London Marathon debut in April 2005 in four hours, three minutes. She went on to complete the Dublin Marathon later that year.
Nora’s sons also played an important role in her early running journey, encouraging her to join Bedford Harriers and supporting her during training by cycling alongside her, providing drinks and keeping her motivated. Now in their thirties, they continue to be a source of encouragement, helping her maintain her confidence as she takes on new challenges.
Nora has now completed around 30 city marathons, including five of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Having qualified for the Tokyo Marathon on 7 March 2027, Nora is preparing to take on her sixth Abbott World Marathon Major, completing the original six-race series and earning the coveted Six-Star Medal.
Her success extends beyond running, including a first-place age-group finish at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France, on 13 September 2026. She also achieved fourth place at the 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Utah, USA.
Her next challenge is the World Standard Duathlon in Abu Dhabi later this month.
As a recipient of the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) athlete award programme, Nora has access to GLL-operated sport and leisure facilities, helping her maintain the regular training schedule needed to compete at national and international level. The programme has also enabled Nora to return to regular Friday morning swimming technique lessons with GLL swim coach Tim Smith at Robinson Pools and Fitness.
Nora said: “Learning to swim at Robinson Pools and Fitness was a turning point for me, giving me the confidence to take on the triathlon. The lessons helped me overcome my nerves in the water, improve my breathing and technique, and build the stamina needed to progress in the sport.”
“It’s been an incredible journey, from barely being able to swim to becoming a multi-sport endurance athlete representing my country. I’ve since completed four full Ironman events, including the World Championships in Kona, and achieved success in international running and duathlon competitions. Looking back, those lessons were a turning point that opened up a world of opportunities I could never have imagined.”
GLL swim coach Tim Smith said: “It has been wonderful to see the progress Nora has made. When she first came to me, we worked on her kicking technique, body position, stability in the water and arm strength. Since then, her kick has become much more effective, and her stroke has improved in strength, efficiency and consistency.
“To see Nora now competing internationally, achieving podium finishes and continuing to push herself to new heights is absolutely wonderful. I’m incredibly proud of her and all she has achieved.
“Nora’s journey is a fantastic reminder that, with time, effort and perseverance, we can achieve things we might never have imagined possible. Being a swimming teacher is about more than teaching someone to swim; it’s about building confidence, overcoming challenges and helping people realise their potential, whatever their age or ambitions. Nora is a real inspiration and a wonderful example of what can happen when you’re willing to learn, put in the work and never give up on yourself.”
Nora also credits the encouragement and support of Bedford Harriers with helping her develop as a runner and endurance athlete. Her experience also highlights the role that local swimming facilities and opportunities to try new activities can play in opening the door to a lifelong passion for sport.
As she enters her seventies, Nora’s story is a powerful example of how one experience at a local pool can be the starting point to a wonderful sporting adventure.
“Age is just a registration category, not a boundary,” Nora adds. “It’s never too late to try something new, and there is a community waiting to support you. My advice is to enrol in swimming lessons, focus on technique and breathing, and be patient with yourself as you learn. Embrace being a beginner, keep practising and stay consistent. I had to start somewhere and look where it has taken me.
“Turning 70 has shown me that age doesn’t have to limit what we can achieve. Through consistent training, discipline and a passion for sport, I continue to challenge myself and compete at an elite level. I hope my journey inspires others, both young and old, to stay active, embrace new challenges and realise that there is no set age for achieving your goals. For me, sport is about much more than performance; it’s about community, camaraderie and a lifelong passion.”
