Joginder ‘States’ his In-TEN-tions

New York beckons for 64-year-old runner

While most 64-year-olds are contemplating slowing down in life prior to retirement, one Bradford man is only thinking about speeding up as he prepares to take on his tenth consecutive New York Marathon.

Joginder Singh, from East Bowling, has collected over 330 half-marathon, marathon and even double-marathon medals throughout the past 25 years after discovering his love for running around his 40th birthday.

Never one to look back, the local grandfather now has his eyes set on the Big Apple once more this November, and has just completed his latest training run in Wolverhampton earlier this month.

“I have more than 300 individual medals,” Joginder said. “I did the Wolverhampton run just for practice.”

Asked what motivates him to continue doing the fast-paced hobby, Joginder simply replied: “I like it.”

Prior to his running engagement in New York, Joginder will fly out to India for an annual marathon in Peshawar.

Having previously completed a 52-mile route in the South Asian heat, the 26-mile course is an ‘easier’ option for the experienced runner.

“It is a very nice race to do,” Joginder said. “It can be very hot but I really like running in India.”

When he’s not out on the streets of Bradford running, Joginder also acts as the President of the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple on Wakefield Road after being elected to the position earlier this year.

Over the years, he has helped raise funds for the Gurdwara and a host of charities, with his running exploits taking him all over the world.

Ahead of his New York marathon, which Joginder describes as his ‘favourite run of them all’, he says he is in good health and ready for the challenge.

“My knees are good and my health is very well,” he said. “I weigh ten stone and feel great.

“I started running 25 years ago and do not want to stop anytime soon. It is my hobby and I like it.”