Now, 45 full marathons later, Thorne believes he's blessed to have come so far. However, he added that there was no secret to his gritty determination.
"I think I've worked hard all my life, being an ex-farmer and all that. We didn't have motorbikes so we walked and ran everywhere.
"Six years ago I had a new knee put in, I was told just to walk and ride a bike or swim but I've been a naughty boy. [But] apart from that it's been great. I've had good health, a good strong heart, [and] I get tested every year.
"People have been so good to me, helping me on my way, all the prayers and people wishing me well - it has been overwhelming really."
Thorne has no doubt his sporting interests prior to taking up running - including playing rugby and hockey, before moving on to umpire and officiate the game - has helped with his sustained racing.
"I did hockey for 30-odd years and I thought, 'I'm going to do something for myself and if I don't perform, well it's my own fault'," Thorne said of his origins in the sport.
Thorne's daughter Pauline Dinsdale, along with husband Rob, will join him on the trip to New York - with Dinsdale saying it is great to see her dad ticking things off his bucket list at 89.
"It's the biggest flight he's been on in his life," she said. "And to travel at his age [is quite something].
"I think he's quite excited about it. To start with he was worried about if he got injured he would have wasted all this money but now he's okay."
Dinsdale, who is also a local real estate agent, said she was worried about how he would go on the long-haul flight so has upgraded him to business class with the support of local sponsors.
Next year, Thorne is planning on taking part in the 50th Rotorua Marathon to mark his own 50th.
However, regardless of age, there is something about this character which makes one think he is not done competing yet.
