You are never too old, says marathon runner, 88

Harry Newton ran his first marathon at the age of 57 [James Russell Photography]

An 88-year-old retired grocer set to become the oldest runner in this year's London Marathon has said it is "never too late to start".

Harry Newton, from Macclesfield, did not begin his running career until the age of 57, when a fellow grocer discussed the London Marathon with him at a conference.

Harry, who has previously raised money for Christie's Hospital in Manchester after he was successfully treated for cancer, is this year raising funds for the British Heart Foundation.

He told BBC Radio Manchester: "You're never too old are you?"

'Move it or lose it'

Harry recorded his personal best for a marathon when he was 70, completing the route in three hours, 53 minutes and 30 seconds.

A month after that he felt a lump in his neck and was diagnosed with lymphoma.

After six months of chemotherapy he was declared to be in remission and has been back to running ever since - with a current total of 31 marathons under his belt.

The Covid lockdown did not deter Harry, who ran two virtual marathons - 461 laps per race - in his back garden.

Harry, a member of the Macclesfield Harriers running club, said he was no longer chasing personal best times but noted that he is "quite often first in my age group".

"There's usually only first of one or something like that, you know, or first of two," he joked.

"Keep exercising whatever age you are. Move it or lose it, they say!"

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