At the age of 64, Graham Taylor has proved he still has the staying power to complete his latest challenge – an epic 69-mile ultramarathon.
The Tonbridge athlete successfully completed ‘the Wall’ challenge, which combines running and walking between Carlisle and Newcastle, in under 24 hours.
Graham, who owns a trophy engraving business in Northwood Road, finished in 17 hours and 45 minutes and his efforts have helped raise funds for Hospice in the Weald.
“I set out to prove that age isn’t a barrier,” said the sports enthusiast, who helped found the East Grinstead Athletics Club before moving to Tonbridge.
“There were around 700 people taking part and there were only a couple of people older than me doing it.
“I started just after 7am and managed the first ten miles with just one pit stop. Then came the ups and downs with long straight stretches, and we followed the Hadrian’s Way cycle Route. As evening set in I had to put on my head torch.
“Some residents had even left orange segments out for us. My son Richard had come up to support me and he was there to see me finish on the Millennium Bridge in Newcastle – the last four miles to get there felt very long.
“My son said I seemed quite relaxed, but although this was a great achievement I told him, I’m doing again!”
Graham’s sponsorship went a long way to reaching the £1,000 he is aiming to raise for Hospice in the Weald and he is planning another event later this year so he can reach his target.
