Catching the Running Bug at 70

Sandra Sheppard was 70 when she first took up running and credits her new hobby for giving her a fresh outlook on life. Now aged 73, she will be taking part in the 10k at this year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run for the second year in a row, just a month before her 74th birthday.

“When I watched my eldest son run the half-marathon at the Great Bristol Run in 2002, I never thought that one day I’d be following some of his footsteps,” says Sandra, who lives in Berkeley, Gloucestershire.

As with so many runners, the story of how Sandra embraced her love of running began with a visit to her local parkrun at Berkeley Green.

“My husband and I heard about the parkrun and decided to find out what it entailed.

“The volunteers were so welcoming and it was great to see so many people enjoying the 5k. At first we walked the course and then gradually began to jog or run. We were given so much encouragement and the atmosphere is always so inclusive with no judgement on how fast or slow you might be. Our Saturdays have never been the same since and we’re about to take part in our 137th parkrun!”

Soon after her first parkrun experience, Sandra joined a local Couch-to-5k group and progressed from there. She still runs with other members of the original group and is also a member of the local New Berkeley Harriers running club, which she describes as a “small, friendly, welcoming group”.

The New Berkley Harriers has organised a coach for the Great Bristol Run and Sandra will be travelling with her fellow members.

“Some will be running the half marathon and some doing the 10k, but we will all be proudly wearing our green and gold running tops around the city of Bristol. We all meet up together afterwards for a drink to celebrate our achievements.”

The feeling of community that she has gained through running has been particularly important to Sandra.

“Being part of a new circle of younger friends has increased my youthful outlook on life. I’ve made new friends and run buddies and feel part of something special.

“Running makes me feel accepted without being judged. That sense of belonging has given me more confidence.

“I often run at parkruns with my husband, two sons and occasionally my two grandchildren too, which brings all three generations together!”

After an enjoyable experience in 2024, Sandra is looking forward to this year’s Great Bristol Run.

“The support from the crowds was brilliant. The music was fantastic and there was such a buzz around the city with people shouting words of encouragement and waving.

“I love the feeling that I’m running with a lot of other people who are doing the same distance and knowing we’re all in it together, even though we’re going at our own pace. The camaraderie is amazing and I even bumped into someone local at the start line!”

When asked what advice she’d give to others who are considering taking up running at a similar age, Sandra is keen to emphasise that it’s important to “listen to your body” and go at your own pace. Plus remember that “consistency is key”.

She adds: “My main advice is to take part in your local parkrun and find out about other events from likeminded people. Sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation, but it’s well worth the effort as running makes you feel alive. It will be your main topic of conversation from then on!!!”

Half Marathon entries are now SOLD OUT, but don’t worry, you can still get involved in this year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run. Find out more here.