A 90-year-old runner believed to have set the world best 10K time for his age has received a trophy for his achievement and said he wants to beat his own record next year.
Ian Winship recorded a time of 1:04:37 at the Cumbernauld 10K run on September 13. On Tuesday, he returned to the race's start point at Broadwood Stadium, where he was presented with a special trophy for the over-90s category.
A Humble Response to a Remarkable Feat
Mr Winship told the Press Association he was grateful but felt “embarrassed” at receiving the trophy.
“I’m overwhelmed and I can’t take it all in,” he said. “I really never expected so many people. You know, I’m just an ordinary guy that ran unexpectedly.”
He said that Cumbernauld is “an ideal place for running”, adding: “You’re surrounded by trees and forests. I try to do 20,000 steps every day, I think that’s what’s keeping me going. I also watch what I eat. It’s been a hard effort, but it’s been worth it.”
Plans to Beat His Own Record
He also said he is planning on running the 10K in less than an hour next year – beating his own record.
“I’m going to beat it,” he said on Tuesday. “When you’re running, if you’re giving your all, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing. If you don’t leave yourself exhausted, you’ve left it there. You know, you’ve just got to go for the finishing line.”
Earlier, Mr Winship told PA that he was emotional and “stood greetin’” when he found out his time at the end of the race.
He said: “You can’t get your mind around a world record – a wee guy fae Cumbernauld. It’s just unbelievable. Cumbernauld might be famous now because of me.”
Recognition from Organisers and Officials
The 90-year-old, who became a steeplejack after serving in the Army, has a routine of long walks each day. He said: “I’ve got a purpose, I want to stay alive. If I sit in the house I’ll vegetate. I must meet people.”
Mr Winship is a veteran of the Suez Crisis who parachuted into Egypt near Port Said in 1956. The Cumbernauld 10K is organised by North Lanarkshire Council.
The event’s manager, Stuart Smith, said: “To be honest, we never considered having an over-90s trophy, but then we hadn’t factored in Ian and all his incredible achievements. It’s great that we were able to present him with his trophy today.”
North Lanarkshire’s provost, Kenneth Duffy, who presented the trophy, said: “It was a real privilege to present Ian with his trophy. To complete a 10K at the age of 90 is an outstanding achievement, and to do it in a world-best time for his age group makes it even more remarkable. Ian is an inspiration, and North Lanarkshire is incredibly proud of him.”
Geraldine Woods, convener of communities at the council, added: “Ian is a true inspiration to everyone who hears about his incredible achievements. His positive approach to life is an example to us all and reflects the strong community spirit that events such as North Lanarkshire’s Cumbernauld 10K aim to promote.”
A Family Affair at the 19th Staging
This year marked the 19th staging of the event, which attracts runners of all ages and abilities. Mr Winship ran the race with his daughter, Fiona Fleming, 58, and his grandson Kyle, 26.
Ms Fleming said the family calls it the “three generations run” and have done it together for several years. “It’s lovely to run with my son and my dad,” she said. “We’re really proud and very happy that he’s getting the acknowledgement that he deserves.”
The race starts and finishes at Broadwood Stadium.
