Bernardine Portenski, New Zealand long distance runner, Died at 67

  Sports

Bernardine Judith “Bernie” Portenski was born on August 26, 1949, and died on February 1, 2017.

She was a New Zealand long-distance runner.

Portenski has set numerous age-group world records.

She also competed in other events ranging from 800 metres to marathon.

She started running at 30 years old and discovered a liking for long-distance events.

Then she took on 114 marathons, including competing at the annual Rotorua Marathon on 33 occasions.

During 1992, Portenski qualified for the Olympics, but was deemed too old by the New Zealand Olympic selectors and was not added to the team.

Besides running, Portenski ran a hairdressing salon in Miramar, Wellington.

Portenski was married to Peter Horan and had one daughter (Marie-Jo) and one stepson (Phillip).

She died in Wellington.

Bernardine Judith “Bernie” Portenski passed away at 67 years old.