'I'm 87 and I've finished 400 Parkruns'

News imageBBC David has his arm in the air in a celebratory gesture and looks happy. He wears a dark blue t-shirt and other runners can be seen in the background.BBC
David Carbert runs most weeks at the Humber Bridge Country Park event

An 87-year-old man who completed his 400th Parkrun on Saturday said he thinks running may have added years to his life.

David Carbert joined the Humber Bridge Country Park event 10 years ago because he didn't want to sit at home doing nothing.

Carbert, who said he was feeling "fairly fit and well", has no intention of stopping and hopes to reach his target of 500 Parkruns, when he'll be nearly 90.

Helen Penn, the event's director, said: "We love him - he is an inspiration."

News imageHelen stands to the right of David, and appears to be wearing a black and silver wig as part of a halloween costume. Jamie, on the left has a lanyard round his neck and a blue high vis vest. He has his arm fround David who stands in the middle.
Jamie and Helen Penn, directors of the Parkrun, with David Carbert

Carbert rises early each week to do some stretches first at home, and runs in all weathers unless there is deep snow or ice.

He said he was full of trepidation when he went along for the first time, aged 77.

"I didn't want to make a fool of myself, but everyone welcomed me.

"You know it's one big happy family here."

Carbert said he achieved his personal best running time of 28 minutes and 13 seconds aged 80, but now completes the 5km (3.1-mile) course in around 38 minutes.

"I think it will have added years to my life.

"Really, I didn't want to sit around at home vegetating."

News imageDavid has a maroon jacket over his tshirt and Tony wears a hat and warm hooded top underneath his jacket, along with a pair of sunglasses.
Tony Nicholson (right), David Carbert's neighbour, has run with him for years

Penn said Carbert was very dedicated.

"I think he's only just getting going. He's brilliant!" she said.

Tony Nicholson, who has run with Carbert for years, said he was his role model.

"We have a sprint at the end and he always wins.

"It really annoys me," he joked.

Carbert was a bit out of breath when he had finished and was asked how he felt.

"I'm a bit shattered at the moment, but I'll recover", he said.

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