Running - Windermere marathon man at 79! (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Running - Windermere marathon man at 79!

4:18pm Saturday 21st May 2011 in Athletics

TRAFFIC around Ambleside is set to come to a standstill when the deafening crack of the starter’s pistol sets over 1,000 runners off, on their way to compete in the Brathay Trust Windermere Marathon, on Sunday,May 22 at 10.30am (starting from Brathay Hall).

And among those runners striving to complete the course will be one man whose willpower and endeavour will be an inspiration to all those who see him pounding the pavements around Windermere.

For Robert Walsh, of Cleveleys in Lancashire, is set to break the course record of becoming the oldest runner to complete the Brathay Windermere Marathon at the age of 79.

If his story isn’t enough to make you want to increase your personal exercise regime then surely the exploits of the Brathay Windermere 10 in 10 runners will have you pulling on a pair of comfortable trainers and heading for the road.

For on the same day, at 9.30am, 13 battle hardened runners will begin their 10th marathon in 10 consecutive days.

Arguably the most arduous endurance event in the world the final day of the 10 in 10 will see runners completing an unbelievable 262-mile challenge.

Having spent 10 days running in relative solitude, around the beautiful lakeside marathon course, their final day will allow them the enjoyment of being recognised by the hundreds of spectators lining the route for the marathon.

Fitting recognition in light of the huge physical and mental strength needed to complete such a run.