Watch the Army veteran who has become the UK’s oldest runner

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An 80-year-old Army veteran has become the UK’s oldest runner after he is picked to compete for England.

Lindsay Pulley has been signed up by England Athletics’ Masters Team to take part in the 10k run next month.

Pulley completed the Chester 10k race in 34 minutes last month and then the England Athletics’ Masters Team decided to choose him to compete for England at next month’s Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run where he will compete against other nations.

During his national service in the Army in 1960, he developed a passion for fitness and running.

He has run nine marathons and more than 240 Parkrun 5k events so far.

He said: “I never dreamed that I would get a letter from England Athletics. Now, I cannot wait to get my England strip — I am so excited about it. Cleobury Mortimer Running Club has helped me to improve my pace at 80 and I am so impressed. My fitness levels are amazing, I have benefited from the club and I hope I continue to.”

“My wife said this is the second time I have been called up for England, the first time being for my national service. I started doing cross-country running in the Army in 1960. That got me interested. I served for two years. I did not like it at the time, but it has done me a lot of good.”

“I did not pursue it when I left the Army. I was about 38 when I started again. I did the 1982 and 1983 London marathons, and I really haven’t stopped since.”

Lindsay, who is a member of the Cleobury Mortimer Running Club, has a wife, Beryl and two sons, Nicholas, and Christopher.

He trains every day around his home village of Wolverley, Worcestershire.

He said: “I do a 5k Parkrun every Saturday. I am coming up to more than 240 of these. I was amazed I qualified for the Masters Team after the Chester run because of the weather. I was ecstatic and quite emotional. I am running 5k races all the time, normally in 30 or 31 minutes.”

“When I became 70-plus, I felt I should reduce the distances, so I do 5k mainly and a few 10ks. I am so grateful that I have been able to do this at my age.”

“I am in pretty good order for an 80-year-old. I’m determined to give it my best shot. I might be the oldest competitor but that doesn’t phase me one little bit.”

 

 

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