An 88-year-old who did not taking up running until he was in his fifties is set to be the oldest participant in the TCS London Marathon this weekend.
Harry Newton is a 21-time London finisher and, after running 31 marathons in his lifetime, takes on this extra special race on Sunday, having only run his first 26-mile race when he was 57.
The Macclesfield resident is raising money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), and has already surpassed his £1,500 target.
Newton said: “I wasn’t a runner at all, I was age 57 when I started.
“I did three in a row to start with 1995, ’96, ’97.
“I did London, New York and then London in that order.”
Newton then joined Macclesfield Harriers, his local running and athletics club, which he added were extremely supportive in his training and running career over the years.
He said: “I was introduced to the chairman of our local running club, Macclesfield Harriers, joined up there, and I started getting some better training.
“I tend to run on my own a little bit nowadays, because I prefer to run in the morning, and groups go out in the dark at night.
“The chaps in there are really helpful and supportive.”
As the marathon’s oldest runner this year, Newton is set to receive VIP treatment with family being accommodated accordingly, provided a light breakfast, and able to choose his start time.
He said: “We’ve got private toilets. It sounds like it’s going to be quite the experience.
“There’ll probably be a few famous faces there as well.”
The London Marathon has grown in stature since 1981, when it was inaugurated with just under 8,000 participants.
Now it has grown to a globally-renowned race garnering national coverage every year and over 59,000 runners paricipating in 2026, with many raising money for charity and positive causes.
Newton is still in awe of the marahton’s incredible atmosphere which he believes helps push the runners throughout the race.
He added: “It is the one, certainly in the UK. The support from the crowds and the atmosphere and the organisation of it is unbelievable.
“When we’re running in those last few miles, through the City and then the Embankment, there’s thousands of people supporting you all the way along, shouting encouragement – people you’ve never even seen before.
“It’s a tremendous atmosphere.”
Also important for Newton is raising money for the BHF, relaying how essential the charity is for research on treatment and care for heart diseases.
He said: “It’s a very strong charity, and they’ve been very supportive.
“We all have family that have heart problems, and research and development help bring cures for it.”
Newton’s 26-mile run may be just another marathon for him, but it won’t be shy of huge inspiration and encouragement to many other participants on Sunday.
BHF events manager Jas Kaur said: “We are so incredibly honoured that Harry Newton, aged 88 and officially the oldest runner at this year’s TCS London Marathon, has chosen to run for the British Heart Foundation.
“Harry is quite simply all heart. Having already completed more than 32 marathons and raised thousands of pounds for charities, it means the world to us that he’s lacing up his running shoes for Team BHF this year.
“At 88, Harry is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to setting yourself a challenge, and that every step really does count.
“Harry’s run isn’t just inspirational – it’s lifesaving.”
Anyone interested in supporting Newton’s run in aid of the BHF can do so via his fundraising page.
Anyone who would like to take on their own challenge for the BHF should visit the charity’s website.
Feature Image: James Russell Photography
Join the discussion