Wymondham runner, 85, completes 500th Parkrun in Norwich

A man who completed his first 5km Parkrun when he was in his 70s has notched up his 500th at the age of 85.

Rodney Freeburn became only the 10th runner in the world aged 85 or over to complete 500 Parkruns when he crossed the finish line at Eaton Park in Norwich on Saturday, organisers said.

He was joined by members of his running club as he celebrated the milestone.

The former maths teacher, who took up running 37 years ago, said it was an “absolutely awesome moment”.

“It was a moment I’ll treasure for the rest of my life,” he said after completing it in 47 minutes 49 seconds.

The Wymondham Athletics Club (WAC) member said: “I knew that 500 Parkruns was a milestone but I didn’t realise that the club would make it so memorable.

“But it was their big moment also because if it hadn’t been for their encouragement and support over the last many years, I would have given up a long time ago.”

He said he planned to do the Bushy Park Parkrun near Hampton Court Palace in south-west London this coming Saturday. Bushy Park was where the very first Parkrun took place in 2004.

Mr Freeburn, who has completed 42 marathons, has taken part in a Parkrun at 69 different locations.

Mary Anderson, volunteer coordinator at Norwich Parkrun, said his achievement was “remarkable”.

WAC said he was a “legend”.

“Inspirational is probably a severe understatement,” the club said.