This 85-Year-Old Runner Just Set a New Age Record With an 8:10 Mile
85-year-old runner Ian Barnes has set a new British mile record for over 85s.
He recorded a time of eight minutes, 10.40 seconds.
Congratulations are in order for Ian Barnes, who broke the over-85s’ British mile record on Saturday, October 10. Running against seven others at Eastbourne athletics track, Barnes crossed in the line in eight minutes, 10.40 seconds. British Masters have recognized Barnes’ run as an official record for his age group.
Speaking after the race, Barnes said, ‘I’m very pleased with that. I expected to do about nine minutes.’
The retired legal executive, who is joint president of Darlington Harriers running club, started running when he was in his twenties. He turns 86 in December.
Asked why he still chooses to race, he said, ‘I enjoy it, I suppose. It gets the adrenaline going. You have your highs and lows, of course, and it’s great to keep fit.
‘It can be hard work training in the winter months but, once you get going, the weather’s not that bad, really. You don’t have to give up sport—age doesn’t have to be a cut-off point or a barrier.’
Barnes was pleased to find he was only four seconds off the 1500m record in the over-85s category, so he may have another record in his sights.
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