Running man Drew is still setting the pace!
JONATHAN GEDDES
A running-mad Rutherglen man is encouraging his fellow residents to get involved in next month’s Great Scottish Run – as he prepares to celebrate 35 consecutive years of taking part in the event.
Drew Riddell, 61, first took part in the popular race back in 1984, and he is showing no signs of slowing down yet.
He told the Reformer: “I wasn’t a keen runner to begin with and it was my brother and his friend that had to talk me into taking part in my first Great Scottish Run.
“However, there is something really special about the event that keeps me coming back year after year.
“I can’t wait to compete in what will be my 35th event next month.”
Drew was joined by fellow veteran runners Stewart Jameson and Martin Caldwell to mark the fact there is now just seven weeks to go to this year’s event on September 28 and 29.
Like Drew, Martin and Stewart have been taking part since the 1980s without taking a break – clocking up an incredible 2130 kilometres between them.
And all three only started running in their 30s.
Martin, 66, said: “I was 34 when I started due to wanting to keep fit and healthy.
“I started off by setting myself small challenges around distance and time and this really helped me get to where I am today.
“Even though my timings are getting slower as I get older, I always aim to beat the one hour and 30 minute mark – having that challenge just pushes me through training and on race day.”
The Family Mile, Junior Run and Toddler Dash will take place on Super Saturday, September 28, while the 10k and half marathon will be staged the following day.
Up to 30,000 runners of all ages and abilities are expected to take part across the weekend.
The iconic run will once again be supported by Bank of Scotland, who this year are celebrating their eleventh year as partner.
For more information and how to enter the run, visit greatscottishrun. com