Runner ready for 28th London race

A runner, who has competed in every London Marathon since it began in 1981, is gearing up for his 28th outing.

David Clark, 73, from Newbury, Berkshire, is one of only 22 people to have run in every race and believes he could carry on for a few more years.

He has raised thousands of pounds for charity and will running this year's event in aid of Multiple Sclerosis.

His best time is 2 hours and 41 minutes but will be happy with a time under five hours on Sunday.

Mr Clark took up long distance running after joining Newbury Athletics Club.

In the early days of it it was quite primitive, we had to get changed on the London buses David Clark

"I was eventually persuaded to take part in the marathon," he said.

"I was fortunate to finish in a good time under three hours and so that was the hook, I was smitten by it and had to see if I could get any better.

"I got down to 2 hours 41 minutes but slowed down as age progressed."

He said a lot has changed since his first appearance in the race in 1981.

"In the early days of it, it was quite primitive, we had to get changed on the London buses, but it is wonderful to see how it has improved," Mr Clark said.

The runner said he was not targeting being the final person to run every marathon since its started, but he was hoping to keep going for years to come.

"Hopefully I'll get to 30 races and reassess and look at the wear and tear on my body," he added.

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