Aged 85, Reg Burbidge is now looking to the Olympics

Published: 17 September, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

AT 85, an age when most people would be expected to allow old age to take its course, Holloway man Reg Burbidge is defying the norm by jogging four miles over Hampstead Heath.

A member of the Highgate Harriers, he’s already completed 27 London Marathons.  

In the last one, just three years ago, he was the oldest member of his group and completed the 26-mile run in six hours.

Reg knows that his marathon days are over but he has a dream – he plans to be a sports volunteer at the London Olympic Games in two years’ time.

The widower is an inspiration, not just to his family of three children, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren, but to the residents on the Liverpool Road estate where he has lived for 66 years.

Reg, whose beloved wife Alice (“Laly”) died six years ago aged 77, still lives on the top floor of his estate, which means he has to walk up and down 64 stairs every time he goes out.

“Climbing up the stairs, particularly when I’m loaded with shopping, is quite a task these days,” he said. “But it is probably keeping me fit. I wouldn’t even consider moving.”

When people look at Reg, who is slim and agile, they assume he’s in his late 60s or early 70s. 

“I’m not sure whether it’s all in my genes or all the keep fit I do,” he added.  

“Dad, a veteran of the First World War, died of TB in 1945 aged 59. Mum, who had a hard life, died aged 71. But I’ve got two sisters still going strong, including one who is 90.”

Born and brought up in a family of 12 in Finsbury, he remembers the tough times and having to share a bed with three brothers. 

“We were there during the Blitz and watched the planes dog-fighting in the sky,” he recalls.

He married Alice in 1945 and they both worked for Islington Council. Reg was a local government officer with the borough for 44 years in the administration and transport department.

He ran his first marathon aged 52 in a time of three hours and forty-seven minutes. These days he will run four miles over Hampstead Heath or do a circuit or two around Highbury Fields. He also works out at the gym at Highbury Pool once or twice a week.

Talking about his plans to volunteer at the Olympics, Reg says he would like to provide water for athletes at various points and do any other tasks required.

He doesn’t smoke anymore – he gave up 30 years ago – but he does like an occasional pint of beer or a couple of glasses of wine.

“I have a pretty healthy diet,” he said. “I usually have a leafy salad for lunch and in the evening I may have meat or chicken with broccoli, carrots, parsnips and spinach. I eat lots of fruit including oranges, tangerines and bananas.

“I’m in reasonable health although my knees and back play me up sometimes. I try and avoid doctors and hospitals if I can but I’ve got a very nice GP and she’s always looking out for me.

“I’m not saying I’ll never run a marathon again. Sometimes I feel like an old prize-fighter –  I always think I’ve got one more run inside me.”