Hartlepool octogenarian Bill completes first 5k parkrun course to mark milestone birthday

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Hartlepool pensioner Bill Storey proved age is no obstacle to keeping fit by completing his first unofficial parkrun to mark turning 80.

Bill celebrated his milestone birthday on November 18 and completed the 5k (3.1 miles) seafront course on Saturday, November 21 with his friend Phil Holbrook.

Parkrun is a national series of runs and walks in parks and open spaces on Sunday mornings and Phil, 60, is a seasoned participant.

He suggested to Bill before last Christmas that Bill do his first parkrun for his 80th as he would fall into the event’s 80-85 age category, and that it would be quite an achievement.

Bill Storey, 80, at various points on the Hartlepool parkrun route which he completed days after turning 80.

Both men, who are members of Hartlepool Male Voice Choir, also plan to walk 80 miles across Scotland from Fort William to Inverness next Spring for Phil’s charity Team Sally and thought it would be good practice.

Although the coronavirus pandemic has meant that parkrun has not been possible since March, Bill and Phil completed the Hartlepool course between the marina and Seaton Carew.

Phil said: “Bill has done the West Highland Way in Scotland and coast to coast across England so he’s no novice.

"On Saturday we walked most of the parkrun course then with about 100 metres left he said he was going to jog to the finish which we did.

Bill Storey at the half way point on the Hartlepool parkrun course.

"I’m delighted that Bill has decided to join the parkrun family, and can’t wait to see him progress.

"He is proof that parkrun has no age barrier and everyone can set their own pace, and get a real sense of achievement.

"He is a really inspirational man.”

The pair completed the walk in exactly an hour. On finishing Bill, a retired postal service worker who is married to Theresa, said: “When I was going to the butchers that morning, I felt as if I was wearing someone else’s legs!

Phil Holbrook raises money for Alice House Hospice through his charity Team Sally named in memory of his late wife.

“But once I got into my stride during my first parkrun, I felt really comfortable and even managed to have a short jog at the finish.

"I felt great at the end and I’m looking forward to doing my next one, next weekend, which will all help as we aim to complete the Great Glen Way in May.”

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