Age is no barrier for Caistor marathon runner

A Caistor runner is putting his best foot forward to take part in his 121st marathon - at the age of 73.
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Jimmy Dutch will be running the Stirling Marathon, part of the Great Run British Series, on May 21, and says this will be his last.

“I feel now I have reached 73 it is time to close the book on the marathon,” he said.

“I want to try and see if I can complete this marathon in the same time as the first - four hours 15 minutes.

“Fingers crossed, everything will go well on the day.”

Jimmy will be among good company, with former Olympians Zola Budd and Liz McColgan signed up to run.

“I met Liz McColgan a few years ago and she wrote me a note which I still have, so I hope to get the chance to talk to her again - she may even remember me,” said Jimmy.

For the time being, Jimmy is focused on his training.

In February, he ran the Stamford 30k and the Pocklington Snake 10-mile.

Later this month he will be running the East Hull 20, as well as taking part in regular runs with his two clubs, Caistor Running Club and Cleethorpes AC.

Jimmy took up running back in 1984 after the breakdown of his marriage.

“I wanted something I could fill my spare time with following the onslaught of divorce,” he said.

“It just came in to my head to do a marathon on the Wednesday, so I signed up and did my first one the following Sunday.

“I got the bug and have never looked back.

“I have occasionally gone to the doctor with aches and pains and they have said I should stop, or that I will never run again, but I just ignore them and keep on going.

“You know yourself there is a line and if you go over it you only have yourself to blame.”

Over the years, Jimmy’s running career has seen him raise more than £37,000 for charity and at the Stirling Marathon he will be running for Caistor LIVES and the Arts and Heritage Centre.

Sponsor forms are available at the centre, or log on to the Just Giving website and search for Jimmy Dutch.