TAMAR Trotters Running Club has always welcomed runners of all ages, but they are fortunate to have amongst the membership some inspirational runners who are over the age of 70.

Not only do they bring a wealth of experience with respect to running, but their vast general knowledge (and Dave Salvage in particular) makes them popular quiz team members.

Some of these veteran runners took up running in their childhood, yet others discovered the sport in their 40’s, and Cynthia Richings did not run until her 60th birthday, having been inspired by her son, who is a triathlete.

After an active sporting life involving swimming and canoeing at a very high level, David Moore took up running in his 40’s.

David had coached the Olympic canoe team for the Korea Olympics in 1988, and he has returned to canoe racing and recently was awarded a silver medal in the National Championships.

Paul Wilsmore also took up running well into his 40’s, having come from a competitive football background, and joined the club because his teenage sons were interested in running, and since then his son Mike Wilsmore has competed for England at 1500m.

Some of the club’s veteran runners’ personal achievements include:

l Linda Tout was very proud of completing the Looe 10-Miler this year, having been placed second in the V70 category. This race is one of the most hilly 10-mile routes in the South West.

l Ray Dransfield, the club’s oldest member, is delighted to be still running at 80 years of age and is managing to run five miles every other day.

l Ann Foster, who followed her daughter into joining the club, was very happy to have completed the Grizzly Cub run without sustaining any injuries, ‘The Grizzly’ is a challenging multi-terrain run taking in steep coastal paths in Seaton, Devon.

l Dave Salvage has won many V70 awards and has participated in 153 parkruns.

l Mary Goodacre, (who spends part of her year training in subzero temperatures in Canada), has many marathons under her belt, and has also competed in three Ironman World Championships in Kona, and many other full Ironman triathlons. Mary certainly does not feel 70!

The many benefits of running certainly outweigh the risks.

Some of the reasons for running at 70+ include improved mental well-being and feeling less stressed, and having a strong set of lungs and heart (this could be particularly beneficial during this current pandemic).

Running has kept debilitating conditions at bay and helped some of the runners maintain a healthy weight. Ray Dransfield says that he would be a ‘big, unfit chap’ if he did not run.

The reasons why the Tamar Trotters Running Club is so good for members of all ages are numerous. Paul Wilsmore and so many others have enjoyed the encouragement and friendship that the club has offered, and it has been a wonderful way to make new friends, while Dave Salvage enjoys the opportunity to talk to runners of all ages and occupations.

Motivation

Linda Tout has loved being part of a team when participating in races, while Mary Goodacre loves the way the club is organised so that it accommodates all levels of runners.

Ray Dransfield said that, without the company of others on a dark wet night, he would not have the inclination to venture out for a run, so running in a group provides the motivation on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

‘Age is not a barrier within the Trotters’, says Cynthia Richings.

In addition to running, these runners have enjoyed the quiz nights, marshalling in races, dinner/dances, pub runs and visits to an ‘away’ event to race or support in other cities and towns as a group. However, a club night would never be complete without the ‘après run’ opportunity to enjoy a chat, mug of tea and, of course, cake.

Dave Salvage has written a poem, and this is an extract from his work:

Is it daft and can it be wise

Our joints and muscles to test?

Do we listen to our bodies

When they’re telling us to rest?

But the freedom felt when I run well

Gives respite from life’s trials,

So that when the run has ended

The effort’s been worthwhile.

I know that I am truly blessed

Though no longer in my prime,

That I can still manage a run

Although it’s in extra time.

So, when the final whistle blows

To signal the end of the game,

I’ll surely realise what I will miss

And I’ll know then why I came.

It is a pleasure to see so many people of all ages running (taking their daily exercise during lockdown).

When Tamar Trotters is permitted to re-open, they will be welcoming new members of all abilities. The committee hope many people will come along and run with them on a Tuesday or Thursday (free sessions will be offered for new starters). For more information please visit www.tamartrotters.co.uk or find the club on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. When available, information about an opening date will be shown on the website and in social media.

by Jane Bremner