A 63-year-old running enthusiast from Bradford completed the New York Marathon for an amazing eighth consecutive year earlier this month as he surpassed his own personal 300-run milestone.
A famous singer once said: ‘New York New York, so good they named it twice’, yet for Joginder Singh, you can add another six New York’s to that same statement, as he loves running the annual 26-mile challenge so much.
Having travelled all over the world to complete marathons, double-marathons, half-marathons and all other races in-between, the Vice-President of Bradford’s Guru Nanak Sikh Temple says the run in the ‘Big Apple’ is extremely special for him.
“It is my number one race,” Joginder said. “This time there was more than 50,000 runners and I have finished the race every year since 2007.
“It was very windy this year but it is my favourite marathon.”
Completing the challenging course in four hours, 35 minutes and 25 seconds, Joginder now has his eyes set on completing ten New York Marathons as he shows no signs of slowing down.
“I have been running and making records all my life,” he added. “In December I’m 63 but will not stop. I like running and am still okay.
“I run to work and back every day and have had four races in the last four weeks.”
In 2012, Joginder travelled to New York to complete the world-renowned marathon once again yet when it was cancelled by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Bradford’s proud representative still laced up his running shoes.
Completing four laps of the city’s Central Park, Joginder ensured he still fulfilled a 26-mile run during his visit.
More than 3,500 miles have been covered since he started running yet this weekend, Joginder will experience a rare occurrence indeed, a week off.
