Track star ‘Granny Joefield’ asks for help

by Angelo Jedidiah
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At 73, Susannah Joefield is still blazing trails – this time, with major wins at the National Senior Games in Iowa, USA.

But while she continues to dominate on the track, the Masters Athlete says she still faces a few uphill battles, as she calls for greater financial support and urges authorities to ensure safer conditions for senior athletes like herself.

Last month, “Granny Joefield” (as she’s affectionately called) placed third in the women’s 70-74 One-Mile road race, clocking 8 minutes 31.8 seconds. She also placed 5th and 6th in the 800m and 1500m races, respectively.

Speaking on CNC3’s The Morning Brew programme, she said running remains her passion and that age is no deterrent. But living in a ‘hot zone’ creates serious challenges – especially in terms of transportation and personal safety.

Joefield often leaves home as early as 3 a.m. to train, but says public transport is unreliable.

“I does walk down from Laventille, St Barbs Road, 3 o’clock in the morning to go either to City Gate or Independence Square by KFC, and stand up there and wait until whoever comes to pick me up,” Joefield said.

She recounted that after running a 10K in the Trinidad & Tobago Midnight Marathon back in May, she had no choice but to walk up to Laventille, as there were no taxis near the Queen’s Park Savannah.

She said taxis and rideshare drivers typically avoid her area, and she doesn’t own a car.

“I’m accustomed, you know. I always walk fast. Normally when I am training during the week, I’ll do 10 miles a day. My routine is from my home up St. Barbs, to Belmont Circular Road, into St Ann’s Avenue, the [Botanical] Gardens and then go up Chancellor. Come back down, go ‘round the Savannah and come back down Frederick Street, into Independence Square,” she said.

“But while I am traversing the road, I put God first and ask him to guide and protect me from all harm and danger.”

Despite these hardships, Joefield remains determined to compete in the North, Central American and Caribbean Masters Athletics Championship in Mexico this November. Over the years, she’s largely self-funded her journey, but it has become a significant financial burden – especially since her daughter’s death in 2020.

She noted that 2007 and 2023 were the only years she received financial assistance.

Still, Joefield says her passion for the sport will never fade, adding: “The Lord is in control.” If you would like to support Susannah Joefield, please call 358-8088.