ENID Webster, 98, is the definition of determination.
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She had been preparing for her fifth City 2 Surf last year when she was struck down with a chest infection.
"I was sitting up in my hospital bed thinking 'I should be out there!'" Mrs Webster said.
"It was so disappointing really. But now I'm back.
"Last year was supposed to be the last, but this year is a replacement for last year."
Mrs Webster will be one of an estimated more than 80,000 participating in the 14 kilometre event on August 11. The mother to five, grandmother to nine and great grandmother to 10 will be joined by 12 relatives.
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Her daughter Rosemary Webster said her mother usually wore a shirt and hat promoting the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, which she has raised funds for in the past, but the family was planning to wear new matching shirts.
"We haven't yet worked out what to put on them, possibly '98 and not out'," Rosemary said.
"Mum wants to be anonymous but we are so proud of her, we're Team Enid."
Even after beating the chest infection, Mrs Webster's journey to the event hasn't been easy.
She had aortic stenosis in January this year and underwent surgery in February.
"She could only walk about 200 steps and was so exhausted she then had to rest for half an hour," Rosemary said.
Aided by her fitness tracker, she started recording - and building up - her steps.
She did a seven kilometre walk on Mother's Day and has been taking 10,000 steps every day for around a month.
She took 30,000 on July 21 and will complete a 14 kilometre walk at least twice before the event. She hopes to finish in around three hours.
"I think I'm going to find it a challenge, but I'm not really doubting I'll get through."
Mrs Webster has been a vegetarian for 81 years.
When she started the Complete Health Improvement Program in 2012 she adopted a vegan diet and started walking her 10,000 steps a day.
Her neighbour in Cooranbong - where she still lives independently - was preparing for his 30th City 2 Surf, in 2014, when he suggested she try it.
She was 93 and did no specific training.
"When I got halfway I felt as if I should have been finished. I got to the end and felt good - after I sat down!"
She prefers not to talk during the event, but focus on putting one foot in front of the other.
"It gets in your blood, it's unbelievable and quite an experience."
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