Runner, 85, gets 97th medal at Givaudan Ashford 10k road race

An 85-year-old runner is over the moon to receive his 97th medal - but has no plans to stop there.

Ray Johnson took part in the annual Givaudan Ashford 10k road race on Sunday, where he gained his latest award.

But Mr Johnson, who started running at the age of 69, says he has no plans to stop as he hopes to get 150 medals by the time he is 90-years-old.

He completed his latest run in one hour and 42 minutes.

He said: "I always say, if you've got aches and pains, you have to keep moving.

"I have arthritis in both of my knees so I have to keep moving and won't let it stop me."

The Faversham resident says he is hoping to get his 100th medal next month.

"My goal is to get 150 medals by the time I turn 90," he said.

"I got my 97th on Sunday and have a few races planned so should get my 100th in November.

"In fact, I have received 15 medals since May."

He added he has the most supportive friends who cheer him on at every race: "My friend Graham has always cheered me on and was the one who encouraged me to start running.

"We ran the London Marathon together in 2015.

"My friend Kate Bates ran with me on Sunday and actually broke her personal best."

Mr Johnson, who is a member of Faversham Running Club, completed his first Kent marathon when he was 74-years-old, and his first London Marathon at 76.

He has completed three London Marathons, in 2013, 2015 and 2017.

"One of the organisers to an event told me I was the oldest runner in the south East," he said.

"I do know that whenever I register for a run I always ask if I am the oldest, and every time I am told that I am.

"I have collected 11 trophies for being the oldest runner since receiving my first from the Faversham 10K 10 years ago."

His 100th race will be a 5k in Whitstable