Emotional moment: 89-year-old Parkrunner completes his 250th 5K run on the coast
This is the inspiring moment an 89-year-old Parkrun veteran completed an astonishing 250th 5km run.
Denis Payne visited the special attraction of Minster on Sea on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent this morning.
And the otogenarian shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. He has completed 200 of his 250 Parkruns in the last five years. During that time, he has averaged a run almost every week.
Footage shows him keeping pace with many other runners years younger than him as he jogs effortlessly through the sunny seaside town.
Fellow runners supported local legend Denis by wearing red shirts and providing celebratory balloons at the finish.
Denis Payne completed an astonishing 250th Parkrun this morning at the age of 89
Fellow runners supported local legend Denis by wearing red tops and providing celebratory balloons at the finish line in Minster on Sea on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent
He was in perfect health and was seen keeping pace with runners years behind him.
Pictured: The balloons organised for Denis at the end of The Leas Parkrun charity event
And the otogenarian shows no signs of slowing down, with 200 of his 250 Parkruns coming in the last five years
Parkrun organises free community events where participants can walk, jog or run 5km every Saturday.
The charity’s website says: ‘Parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no-one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to join in.’
MailOnline has contacted Parkrun for comment on Denis’ immense achievement.
The organisation hosts events around the world, but made headlines earlier this year when it removed the ‘AZ records’ list over fears it would encourage pollution-causing tourism, The Telegraph reported in March.
In this challenge, participants had to run in parks that had the name on each letter of the alphabet. The parks were spread across 22 different countries.
Internal communications to volunteers and ambassadors revealed that the charity’s leaders were uncomfortable celebrating records that encouraged travel.
