John is still running - 44 years after first marathon

ALMOST 30,000 runners will take on the Cardiff Half Marathon tomorrow but for one runner it will bring back memories of when he ran the city’s very first full marathon back in 1981.

- BRYANA FRANCIS Reporter

More than 40 years ago John Jones, 79, from Ceredigion, was roped into running the marathon and it’s a hobby he still enjoys today.

Things have changed a lot since then with much bigger crowds, more runners, the introduction of energy gels and drinks, and all sorts of new running kit.

John remembered the very first race which he was convinced into doing having been fascinated watching the Olympic marathon.

He said: “Someone mentioned to me there was going to be a Cardiff marathon and they decided for me that I would be running in that.

“It was very, very good. It was my first marathon and in those days there was no internet and there was one running shop selling running shoes in Cardiff.