Runners training for the Sydney Marathon have just two weeks left to get into peak condition. While the average competitor age is in the early 30's, one retired doctor is still hitting the pavement at the age of 79 and is planning on celebrating his birthday with a marathon performance.
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00:00The last time Alan raced in a full marathon, he was just shy of 40.
00:07When he takes part in his next one, he'll be a few days past 80.
00:12I'm doing it because it's a fun challenge. Some people mightn't agree.
00:17Let's go Sydney!
00:18He's training for the upcoming Sydney Marathon,
00:21after being inspired by his grandson's run in the race last year.
00:26I love all the colour, the people coming in, all the personalities.
00:30Some people wobbling in and some people smiling and punching the air.
00:35In recent years, the retired GP has taken up weekly park runs.
00:39I used to struggle to do the five kilometres at first,
00:42but it's infectious, the running, when you get involved with people that run.
00:45They're all a bit mad sometimes.
00:47So far, he's completed more than 100 park runs.
00:51Love the camaraderie, the coffee after the run, and that's enough for health.
00:55I'm talking as a retired GP.
00:57You don't need to do more than that,
00:59but the adventure of taking on a marathon after 40 years.
01:03The Sydney Marathon will be a brisk stroll down memory lane,
01:07with the route taking Alan past some of his old schools and childhood hangouts.
01:12We do a full lap of Centennial Park,
01:14which was a favourite haunt in my young days at Bondi.
01:17Alan met his wife Beverly on their first day of school.
01:21All these years later, she's not surprised by his latest adventure.
01:26Once he sets his mind on something to do, he does it.
01:29Like many athletes, Alan's been training with a particular target in mind,
01:33finishing the race before the seven-hour cut-off mark.
01:36If he does, he'll be automatically invited back next year.
01:40I've got to open roads at some stage, don't they?
01:42They're not going to keep the Harbour Bridge and Anzac Parade
01:45locked off to traffic just so I can finish.
01:47I want to finish smiling.
01:49Smiling and celebrating a birthday well run.