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'Inspiring' deaf runner, 85, breaks parkrun records

Mark Ansell & Victoria ScheerYorkshire
News imageBBC/Mark Ansell Barbara stands on a paved path in an outdoor park setting. She is wearing a light green jacket over a grey athletic top with a yellow zipper detail. In the background, there is a grassy area with scattered trees, a few green bins, and some rope barriers marking off sections of the park. Residential houses are visible further back, along with a lamppost.BBC/Mark Ansell
Barbara Groves said running at parkrun made her feel safe

An 85-year-old deaf woman who only took up running three months ago now holds the fastest times in her age group at five different parkruns.

Barbara Groves completed the 3.1 mile (5km) course at Sheffield Castle parkrun at Manor Fields Park in 47 minutes and is now a regular on Saturday mornings.

Despite her record-breaking time, Ms Groves said she was "not bothered" about the accolades but enjoyed how exercising regularly had improved her health.

She said: "I used to have bad knees and that's all gone. I've got a frozen shoulder, used to be very painful, that's all gone. So it does work and my balance is a lot better."

Parkrun sees people of all ages and abilities gather in an outdoor space on Saturday mornings and run for 5km - or just over three miles.

Ms Groves had no previous experience of running, but after watching her son take part in a parkrun in September, she decided to give it a go herself and was immediately hooked.

News imageBBC/Mark Ansell Barbara and Gavin stand outdoors on a grassy area next to a paved path. They are holding a bright yellow sign with bold black text that reads “FINISH” and includes the logo and word “parkrun” at the bottom right corner. Barbara is wearing a light grey jacket, while Gavin is dressed in a bright blue T-shirt with white text that says “Capstone Foster Care” and has a long-sleeved layer underneath. In the background, there are leafless trees, a sculpture-like structure, and a row of brick houses with parked cars along the street.BBC/Mark Ansell
Barbara Groves with her son Gavin Hogg at Sheffield Castle parkrun

"It's the stimulation, you feel much, much better afterwards," she said.

"Pushing yourself just that little bit more each time."

Ms Groves now hopes to inspire others to join and highlighted how safe the event made her feel.

"When you go out on your own, it's difficult because you can't hear anybody behind or anything," she said.

"There is no pressure, you can walk."

Her son, Gavin Hogg, said he was "really proud" of his mother.

He said: "At the age of 85, to not have any background in running at all, and to suddenly decide, at an age when most people think I'll just sit down and have an easy life, but to challenge herself and push herself, I just think it's incredible."

The Run Director at Castle parkrun, Ash Mellors, said Ms Groves was "an inspiration".

"To see her turn up, week after week, and just smash the course, with a big smile on her face, it's just incredible and she's become part of the community here as well."

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