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Saint Francis Hospice marathon runner named the oldest in the entire competition

16 March 2011

An 86-year-old runner from Hornchurch had been named the oldest participant in this year's London Marathon.  Not only is he the oldest competitor in the gruelling 26.2 mile race, but Paul Freedman, MBE, will be completing his 20th marathon on 17 April.

Paul, from Stanley Close, aims to finish the Virgin London Marathon in under six hours. He is trying to run at least five times a week, regularly jogs with a running club, and has just been offered free membership at David Lloyds in Gidea Park for the three months leading up to the big day, where he attends classes such as 'Bodyattack'.

"I am absolutely thrilled at this news", he said. "The second oldest runner is 4 years younger then me, I've been waiting for this news every year that I've taken part, I can't quite believe it!"
 
On Sunday 6 March, Paul ran the Silverstone Marathon,  then a week later finished the 5k Saint Francis Hospice Santathon. He will also compete in the Brentwood Half Marathon on Sunday 20 March, all to raise funds for the hospice.

“You just have to fit these things in. My target was always to try and do 500 miles from the beginning of the year to the marathon in training,” he said.

Since he started running at the age of 61, Paul has had to dedicate an entire room in his home for medals, after spending the last 25 years competing in as many half marathons, fun runs and races as he can.

“I’m very attached,” he said. “Once you’ve run a marathon you either say never again or you can’t wait for the next one. I am definitely the latter.”

As a result of running and tireless fundraising, Paul has raised well over £50,000 for Saint Francis Hospice. He was awarded an MBE in 2008 recognising his lifelong commitment to fundraising.

Paul has volunteered for the hospice for twenty years, and visits every Christmas Day to spend time with the patients on the ward.  Sadly, in 2007 his wife became terminally ill, and received care in their home from the nursing team at the hospice. This only motivated him further, and he could not resist when his son set him a target of 20 marathons.

 “When I’d done about 11, he said dad, I want you to do 20. I thought to myself – but you haven’t done one! However, I do get a kick out of it.” he said.

When Paul ran his first marathon, he finished in 4 hours 10 minutes, and the following year managed less than four hours. As he was over 70, he was then granted an automatic place in the marathon each year, for finishing in less than five hours. The only year he has missed was when he suffered a heart attack. “It broke my heart to miss that race,” he said.

Paul  is not sure if this year will be his last, but he does feel less competitive now. “The way I see it now, all I want to do is finish. Well, I would like to beat last years time, I’ve got to get under 6 hours,” he said.

“I’ll take it as it comes, I’m slowing down now but I’m happy with what I’m doing - and the main reason I do it is for the charity. I’ll see how I do this year and decide if I’ll carry on with marathons, I definitely won’t give up running.”

Saint Francis Hospice fundraiser Lauren Josman said: "We are so proud that Paul has been given the title of oldest runner, on the same year that he will achieve such an impressive total of marathons. Paul is very special to Saint Francis Hospice, he is an extremely admired member of the fundraising team - his energy and motivation is inspiring! We can't wait to cheer him along on the 17th April."

Paul hopes to raise £10,000 by running the London Marathon this year. If you would like to sponsor him, visit www.justgiving.com/Paul-Freedman
 

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