Former Grand Master of the Orange Order in New Zealand on 'striding' her way through half marathon aged 83

The News Letter made contact with Beverley Buist following a picture which appeared in the Orange Standard showing her clutching her medal from the City of Christchurch Half Marathon, which she finished in three hours, 29 minutes.

The average time to run the race was two hours and six minutes, and to walk (as she did, at pace) the average was three hours, 23 minutes.

A half marathon is 13.1 miles (21.1km).

Mrs Buist, who is the previous Grand Master of the institution in New Zealand, responded that she was “extremely surprised that anyone in Northern Ireland would be interested in a ‘little old lady’ from ‘down under’”, adding she is “just a very ordinary person enjoying life and making the most of it”.

The latest half marathon was her 15th.

She said that when she retired at the age of 69, she took up fitness at the suggestion of her neighbour who was worried she would be bored.

She is “fortunate to be blessed with good health whereas a lot of people my age are not so lucky”, and tries to do a half marathon every year – though she says “I don't run as such, but stride it out at a good pace”.

“What motivates me to do it? The thought that I can still do it – lots of other people can't,” she said.

"It is the old story - use it or lose it…

"As I am not competitive, I don't go out to win.

"I don't have a training regime. I walk regularly and for a few months before the event I go out for a long walk as fast as I can and check the time to see it is still reasonable.”

She has “just an ordinary diet: plenty of protein, fruit and vegetables and, on the morning of the race, porridge: slow release carbs”.

Mrs Buist served as Grand Master in New Zealand from 2021 to 2025.

Her maternal forebearers were in the Orange Order, and trace their heritage back to Fintona and Dromore, Co Tyrone.

She has been a member since age seven, and had been “most surprised” to be made Grand Master in 2021.

"In New Zealand it isn't unusual for a lady to serve as Grand Master”, she said, adding that “in New Zealand we don't have segregated lodges – male and females belong together”.

She marched in Rossnowlagh during a 2024 trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland, which she described as “very special”, having seen photos and heard stories of the marches on the island since she was young.

"I used to think how wonderful it would be to be there and experience it, never thinking for one moment that one day it would actually happen,” she said.

“We don't have many Northern Hemisphere visitors here because of the distance, but we always enjoy the company of those who do come our way. It is very special being a member of the Orange Order. We have friends in many places around the world.”