The Third Age

Retirement is usually a time when it’s possible to spend more time with the family and do all of the things that you enjoy doing together. For several years Reg and his wife Mair did just that, touring in their caravan all over Europe. Unfortunately Mair's health was failing, and sadly she suffered a stroke in 1971. Reg cared for her until her death in 1981. They were a close couple who had been married for 49 years, and her death was a bitter blow.

He had always himself fit by playing golf, and cycling, and also enjoyed hill walking, an activity which would soon dramatically change his life forever.

Reg and Mair.

In May 1984 he went to Northumberland with a group of people on a hill-walking holiday. The group was led by veteran marathon runner Madge Sharples who ran in marathons all over the world. The two instantly became good friends and thanks to her inspiration Reg decided to have a go at running himself.

Reg in action.

At the time he was concerned about his physical fitness, which he felt was slipping away. During the holiday the fittest person in the group by far was Madge and this turned Reg’s thoughts to the direction of running.

He began jogging and overcame many difficulties. Reg suffered from asthma and arthritis, and had trouble with a trapped nerve, which soon resulted in an operation. During the first 4 months his distance increased from about 50 yards to 2 miles, which resulted in strains or pains in many muscles and joints. He persevered and became interested in the sport, soon joining the Wolverhampton Road Runners Club.

He trained with Club Chairman and marathon organiser Billy Wilson who was once himself a successful cycle racer until his accident on the Aldersley track, 30 years earlier. Billy suggested that Reg should enter the Wolverhampton Marathon, only 4 months away. At first he thought this was a crazy idea, but as his fitness grew, so did his confidence, and after his first 20 mile road run he realised that could achieve his goal.

The training was working well and so on Boxing Day 1984 Reg took part in his first competitive event, a 4.2 mile fun run organised by the Wolverhampton Road Runners, and called the Jolly Holly Jog. About 600 runners from all over the country took part and ran from Old Hill, Tettenhall to Chapel Ash and back. But much more was yet to come!

On every 4^th Sunday the usual training session was replaced with a long run. On December 30^th, 1984 they ran a total of 14 miles, increasing this to 21 miles on February 3^rd, and 28 miles on March 3^rd.

Towards the end of the training programme Reg realised that he could cope both mentally and physically with the marathon and so at the age of 77 he entered and completed the 1985 Wolverhampton Marathon, finishing the course in 5 hours, 39 minutes and 35 seconds.

He hadn’t competed in an athletics event since his school days when he finished tenth in a 1,000yard race, way back in 1922.

Reg completes a Wolverhampton marathon.