Five decades of races for Terry

Last Sunday officially marked the 50th anniversary of the Geoff Watt Memorial Fun Run. For Terry O'Neill, it was like coming full circle, having run in both the 50th iteration of the run, as well as the very first.

Back then, Terry was a competitor for the Dandenong Athletic Club, and managed to come second in the under 17 seven-mile run. Since then, he's forged quite the career in athletics, having raced as both a walker and runner for decades.

And while the 66-year-old said the end of his time on the track may be near, he also said participating in the fun run, 50 years after his first time, was something to treasure.

"To me it's really special. I actually feel honoured, if I'm honest," he said.

Terry, formerly of Warragul, said he had loved the event from the very first time he entered it, and had competed at least 20 times.

At the most recent event he took on the challenge of the 10km race, representing the Glen Eira Masters Athletic Club, knowing he would be giving his all given the special nature of the day. And one could hardly be critical of his efforts as he finished 12th for the day, just 14 minutes and 23 seconds behind winner Tommy Wyatt.

It was a fitting finish for an athlete who has remained dedicated to his craft, having continued to walk competitively in Glen Eira, as well as in the local parkrun. Terry said he knew he could do 5km easily, but getting through 10km without injury would be a solid achievement.

"I know my time's coming," he said of the time he has left in the sport.

Regardless, Terry also said he hopes that he can provide a little bit of inspiration to those who may have thought their active days were behind them.