THE ‘Beast from the East’ may have wreaked havoc on a number of sporting events this week but two running veterans show that age is not a barrier when it comes to running.

On Saturday 84 year-old Barrie James from Higher Downgate near Callington, took part in the Tavistock Athletic Club 5k run in aid of Sports Relief while on Sunday, while Tamar Trails Park runner Andy Houghton, aged 71, ran 13.2 miles around Plasterdown.

Barrie has just joined the Tavy Joggers ‘Couch to 5k’ programme after taking up running again at the age of 83. Before he retired he had a job which took him all over the world and when younger ran in marathons – his best a time was 3 hours 57 minutes 41 seconds in Saudi Arabia when he was 65. Although an octogenarian sports lover Barry also turns out for Gunnislake Cricket Club.

He told the Times: ’I have just joined TAC and they have been extremely supportive. I‘m just a plodder when it comes to jogging but all at the club have very kind and patient. I’m certainly looking to improve my time next time!’

In the Sports Relief run Tavistock Athletic Club saw 119 runners of all ages, from eight to 84 took part. Most were just running for fun and were not connected with any running clubs and some had come from athletic clubs in the area – Launceston Road Runners, Tamar Trotters, Okehampton Running Club, Plymouth Harriers and Musketeers as well Tavistock Athletic Club were all represented.

There was also a large contingent from Barrie’s ‘Couch to 5k’ programme.

With the first man home being Travis Bramley from Plymouth Tri Club in a very respectable 16 minutes 31seconds there was a competitive field with 11 runners under the 20 minute benchmark. The star of the day was Barry who completed the course in 41 minutes 45 seconds to set a personal best.

With runners enjoying the post race refreshments and making donations to Sport Relief , Tavistock Athletic Club were delighted that they will be handing more than £300 to the charity.

Andy Houghton from Tavistock did not let the weather force him to miss a day’s training. He returned home to Tavistock after a 13.2 mile run around the Plasterdown Commons, then the airfield at Yelverton and return down  Drake’s trail. This followed 10 miles on a similar route on Saturday, six miles on Friday and a faster 11 miles on Thursday.

Andy, who lost his balance briefly from having a stroke in the autumn has recently been recovering from an adverse reaction between his medication and muscles caused by exercise. He said he is feeling good to be alive with his 72nd birthday arriving next month!

He said: ‘Winter marathon training is clearly not for everyone but can not be beaten if you wish to experience the the full range of winter weather experienced  by our forbears and  today’s hill farmers who have perhaps found this a particularly demanding winter. Seldom has the risk of hypothermia been higher!’