Age is just a number for one Harrogate woman who has set her sights on a new running challenge.
78-year-old Dot Carr had ‘never really ran before’ until she signed up to run the London Marathon in 1994.
31 years later, she still enjoys running and is set to take on Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust’s TEWV 10k at York Racecourse on Saturday 19th April.
The inaugural event took place last year and was the first running event to be organised and staged by a local NHS Trust.
Dot said:
“I’d never really ran before taking part in the London Marathon and I'm now 78 and still enjoy races, although only a 10k nowadays.
“I've run many races, but I've chosen to do the TEWV 10k this year as it’s a new one for me and I love being a part of such big events.
“I’ll enjoy the challenge and change of scenery, as I love wonderful spaces and views.”
The NHS Trust’s 10k running event will add to Dot’s list of accomplished races including the Lisbon 10k and Lakeland Trails.
She added:
“In my first ever race, I’m not sure I was what you'd call an ‘athlete’, but it didn't matter because I enjoyed it.
“If someone had told me years ago that I'd be running now, there's no way I could have seen this happening. 78 sounds so old, yet when I run it feels so natural. My friends and family say I'm amazing, but I don't see it as a big deal.
“I like to be active – I run, I go for a swim early in the morning, I do Pilates every day, I cycle, I walk to the supermarket – which might help me being able to still run.
“It’s doing me good and, running or not, I love to meet and talk to other people. With running for so long I know a lot of people and we're all very supportive of each other.
“I'm not free of medical conditions, but I don't dwell on them. I'm a very positive person which helps me to keep going.
“If you want to start running, I say give it a go. Walking bits is just fine, you'll get there in the end and feel so good for what you've achieved. You'll be very proud of yourself!”
Entries are still open for the TEWV 10k. To find out more and enter, visit www.tewv.nhs.uk/10k.
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