AS John Jervis prepares for the Latrobe City Community Fun Run on Sunday, the nimble 74 year-old is showing age is no barrier when it comes to physical activity.
The Newborough resident, who celebrated his 74th birthday last Friday, has been running for the past 13 years since his wife Connie encouraged him to join local running club, the Traralgon Harriers.
Since that time, Jervis has completed 10 full marathons and 16 half marathons, covering more than 1000 kilometres in competitive events alone.
Accounting for weekly training runs in and around the Latrobe Valley, Jervis estimated he has covered around 20,000 kilometres in total.
“When I first began, I probably spent more time walking than running, but I was surprised by how quickly my fitness improved and it didn’t take long until I was running longer distances right up until my first marathon in 2005,” Jervis said.
“I like to think I’m living proof that it’s never too late to get fit; if I can manage to do it, there’s really no excuse for anyone else.”
While Sunday’s Latrobe City Community Fun Run might be a little shorter than his usual jaunts, Jervis said he was looking forward to the fun and friendly atmosphere associated with the event.
“The community fun run is a great opportunity to run or walk with your friends and family, and the shorter course means that everyone can get involved, even old dogs like me.”
The Traralgon Harriers Latrobe City Community Fun Run takes place on Sunday at Kernot Hall, Morwell.
The event includes a 1.5km run or walk for children from 8.30am, and a 5km run or walk from 9am, with proceeds to go towards Latrobe City’s MSE Williams Youth Support Fund.
Entries close on Friday and can be made at www.traralgonharriers.net
