We sent photographer Wendy Huynh to capture multiple World Record holding SOAR athlete Clare Elms on the morning of a regular Tuesday training workout.

It’s a regular Tuesday morning, and Clare Elms is on the number 54 bus to training. The unsuspecting passengers have no idea—they’re sharing a ride with a woman who could outrun every single one of them.

Clare, who started running after the birth of her triplets in 2000, was quick to reveal her talent. A casual 40-minute 10k on almost no training led to a club suggestion—and a transformation.

Twenty-three years later, Clare is Britain’s most prolific masters athlete, boasting multiple World and British age-group records and the distinction of being the oldest woman to break 5 minutes for 1500m. She’s also a Parkrun legend: first woman every time.

Finishing first woman in every Parkrun she has taken part in, she’s also the oldest woman to break the five minute barrier for 1500m. A long-time friend of SOAR, Clare was one of the first woman we invited to become a SOAR athlete.

This year, after entering the VW60 age category (and getting her free bus pass), Clare has smashed 16 British and 8 World records across distances from 800m to 5000m. Her speed is jaw-dropping, her training relentless. While others slow with age, Clare’s just getting faster.

She’s proof that greatness doesn’t always look how you expect it to. A SOAR Race Team member since day one, Clare continues to dominate tracks and redefine what’s possible—for women, for masters athletes, and for anyone who thinks age is a limit.

The year isn’t over. Neither is Clare.

British Indoor:

1500m and Mile

British Outdoor:

800m, 1500m 5 times, Mile 3 times, 3000m, and 5000m

British Road:

5 Miles and Mile twice

World Indoor:

1500m & Mile

World Outdoors:

1500m & Mile twice

Photography: Wendy Huynh

Words: Rebecca Taylor