I marked my 60th with a 43-mile run

AS MOST people approach their 60th birthday they might be expected to start winding down and enjoying life at a leisurely pace.

That was certainly not on the agenda of one super-fit sexagenarian who marked his landmark birthday by completing a 43-mile trek along the John Muir Way - the greatest running distance he had ever attempted.

Grandfather Sandy Wallace crossed the line of the gruelling ultra-marathon in seven hours 24 minutes, laying down the gauntlet to runners of a similar vintage and younger to try to beat his competitive time.

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The aged athlete, who has bagged around 50 marathons across the world since he first laced up his running boots 30 years ago, pounded a picturesque coastal path connecting East Lothian with the Southern Upland Way. Following behind was a friend in a support vehicle providing sustenance and water when required.

Mr Wallace, a retired civil engineer with City of Edinburgh Council, said he felt compelled to test himself after reaching the 60-year milestone.

"I wanted to do something a little different and make a statement that age is no barrier," he said. "Anyone my age can go out and run provided they have no other disabilities or problems - I'm not exceptional. I would hope that older people get some encouragement from what I have done."

Mr Wallace begin his birthday feat last Thursday starting at Dunglass, near Cockburnspath, before pacing through Dunbar, John Muir Park, East Linton and then cross-country to North Berwick, Dirleton, Gullane and Aberlady. He then enjoyed a coastal run by Cockenzie, Prestonpans before reaching a welcoming party at the finish line at Fisherrow Harbour in Musselburgh.

"The John Muir Way is a place for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to see the area at its best along the coastal paths, riverside walks and forest trails. For runners there are endless opportunities to get out along any of the safe off-road sections, without having to go to the lengths I have," said Mr Wallace, who went through three months of painstaking training before the race.

"When I run marathons I compete against the clock. Thursday was about completing the distance at a steady pace. It was a long slog but it wasn't really that hard. It's all about preparation and having the right mindset."

The father-of-four added "I'm throwing down a challenge to do the same race in a quicker time than me. I don't consider myself particularly exceptional but I set a decent time and I would like to see others attempt to beat it."

Despite a torturous run last week, Mr Wallace is already eyeing a 92-mile trek along the West Highland Way.

"I'm pleased it all went well, it spurs me on to do something else - it's given me confidence to go further," he said.

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