AN OAP runner who only took up the sport again after missing a bus is set to show the young guns how it is done at this year’s London Marathon.
Pensioner John Tofts, of Thorpe Road, Weeley, will run the 26.2-mile route at the age of 70.
Veteran pavement-pounder John ran his first marathon in Colchester nearly 30 years ago.
Since then he has completed several races, including the London Marathon in 1997.
It has been a while since Mr Tofts last ran a marathon, but he was inspired to don his running shoes again after missing a bus.
“I was going from my home in Weeley to Clacton," he said.
"I missed my bus so I decided to start walking.
“It is about eight miles and it showed me I’m a bit fitter than I thought.
“It put the idea of the marathon in my head. I started doing the maths and I decided to take part again.
“The whole thing is a bit more daunting than it was once, but I’m looking forward to it and I know I can still do it.”
John’s best marathon time is less than four-and-a-half hours.
He celebrates his 70th birthday in March and is running the marathon in aid of Look, a charity for the visually impaired.
John added: “The time isn’t really important to me anymore. I just want to raise as much as I can for charity."
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