Harvey’s ‘89 marathon memories
A pensioner who ran the London Marathon nearly 30 years ago is‘one in a million’.
That’s because one million people have participated in the race since 1981.
And Harvey Rhodes took on the challenge back in 1989.
The 71-year-old from East Mains has now got a commemorative T-shirt from organisers Virgin showing that out of that million, grandad Harvey placed 149,790.
As this year’s batch of runners recover from their gruelling 26.2-mile challenge, Harvey recalls the time he took to the streets of London.
“I did it for The British Heart Foundation when I was still living in England and it was organised by a Masonic Lodge in Sussex,”he said.“I raised £3400.
“I completed it in just over three-and-ahalf hours.”
Former sales rep and council worker Harvey added:“I used to run various races to keep myself fit – it was a hobby of mine.
“I remember coming round behind the Houses of Parliament and seeing the mass of crowds, thousands of people cheering you on – it was just fantastic.
“The next day, my sister Carol and I went on to run a race in Birmingham and crossed the finish line together hand in hand.”
Harvey admits he takes things a bit slower these days.
He said:“I now do Tai-Chi every Friday morning in East Kilbride to try and keep myself active – although it’s not quite the same I have to admit.”