Marathon legend Ron Hill is showing no sign of slowing down after more than 16,500 consecutive days of running.
The Accrington-born former European and Commonwealth champion, 72, has run every day since December 20, 1964, even after breaking his sternum in a car crash
in 1993, and after bunion surgery when he completed one mile in 27 minutes on crutches.
Clayton-le-Moors Harrier Hill will took part in the first annual Pennington Flash 10K last weekend in his ninth race of the year and is now set on tackling the Manchester and Salford 10Ks as he looks to notch up around one race a week.
But despite his senior years the veteran athlete confesses he is still locked in a battle with the clock.
He said: “I’m still competitive with my times, a couple of years back I did the Arizona 10K in 49.01 and that’s the target I’m currently chasing. I’ve been getting closer recently as well.
“That’s what it’s all about. Apart from the obvious benefits of being more healthy, having a target to strive towards is what makes it enjoyable and keeps you going.
“It can be tough getting out there every single day, particularly after the last couple of winters we’ve had but I always feel so much better after I’ve gone out there and done it.
“I can’t imagine what it would be like just to stay indoors all day.”
Despite the fact a large number of his competitors hadn’t been born when he was crowned European champion in 1969, Hill insists he has no plans to retire just yet.
He said: “I can’t see myself stopping, I’ve had broken bones and injuries and I’ve always kept going.
“I weigh the same now as when I was 21 and I still feel physically able, so there’s really no need for me to stop.
“I’m not going to pretend it’s not hard work sometimes but that’s the beauty of running, you get out what you put in.”
