At 89 years of age, Lincolnshire’s Len Crockford might just be 2021’s oldest challenger. And he’s confident he can reach the landmark.
‘I used to be a marathon runner, running my first at the age of 51. Later I realised that running in the countryside was much more enjoyable than pounding the tarmac, then found that trail walking was even better still. For the next 17 years my wife Janet and I walked long distance challenges from 25 to 100 miles.
‘These days I have age-related heart diseases – angina and stenosis – which make me breathless and give me chest pains during any form of exercise, so I can’t walk hills. But luckily, the only climbing I have to do is on to the sea bank, and my walking companion is George, an ancient Labrador who’s quite happy dawdling and sniffing. By counting all my steps – walking and gardening – I can easily surpass the weekly requirement.
‘Taking part and succeeding at #walk1000miles last year showed me that I can still achieve something. It was a huge mental boost. And I’d say to anyone who thinks they might be too old to take up the challenge to just give it a try. There’s little to lose and so much to be gained.’
