I'm 87 and I've finished 400 Parkruns

Published2 hours ago

An 87-year-old man who completed his 400th Parkrun on Saturday said he thinks running may have added years to his life.

David Carbert joined the Humber Bridge Country Park event 10 years ago because he didn't want to sit at home doing nothing.

Carbert, who said he was feeling "fairly fit and well", has no intention of stopping and hopes to reach his target of 500 Parkruns, when he'll be nearly 90.

Helen Penn, the event's director, said: "We love him - he is an inspiration."

Carbert rises early each week to do some stretches first at home, and runs in all weathers unless there is deep snow or ice.

He said he was full of trepidation when he went along for the first time, aged 77.

"I didn't want to make a fool of myself, but everyone welcomed me.

"You know it's one big happy family here."

Carbert said he achieved his personal best running time of 28 minutes and 13 seconds aged 80, but now completes the 5km (3.1-mile) course in around 38 minutes.

"I think it will have added years to my life.

"Really, I didn't want to sit around at home vegetating."

Penn said Carbert was very dedicated.

"I think he's only just getting going. He's brilliant!" she said.

Tony Nicholson, who has run with Carbert for years, said he was his role model.

"We have a sprint at the end and he always wins.

"It really annoys me," he joked.

Carbert was a bit out of breath when he had finished and was asked how he felt.

"I'm a bit shattered at the moment, but I'll recover", he said.

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Humber Bridge parkrun

Humber Bridge parkrun