A RUNNER in his 70s who has been awarded more than 80 medals is still as determined as ever as he prepares to take on the ABP Southampton Half Marathon.

Les Woodhams has a garage full of medals and awards he has received over nearly 40 years of running marathons, half marathons and even a virtual event.

But the 76-year-old will soon have one more to add to his collection as he takes on his 5th Southampton event this April.

Les, who began running when he was around 40 to keep fit, has now completed runs across the country including the York Marathon and virtual London Marathon.

During the pandemic, Les set himself a challenge called “run away from Covid” which saw him run every day since January 21, covering 264 miles by the end.

And despite being on the other side of the world, he still didn’t stop, running the Auckland Marathon whilst visiting his daughter in New Zealand.

READ MORE: Photos from the 2022 Southampton Marathon

Ahead of the Southampton event on April 2, he told the Echo: “I’m determined to carry on.

“I’ve been running six or seven half marathons a year. I’m never going to win anything. I’m too slow for that.

“I’m not one to sit at home. I’d rather go out for a run and keep fit.”

Now with a brace on his knee, Les said he is “struggling” but despite this, he will carry on running with his wife behind him.

“She is the one that does the driving afterwards”, he added.

“I’m not as fast as I have been. It is going to come to an end, but I enjoyed it.”

Daily Echo: Les Woodhams' medals in his garage.Les Woodhams' medals in his garage. (Image: Les Woodhams.)

At 42, Les ran 40 miles from Brighton to Guildford to raise money for his son’s football and then encouraged other players to cycle with him afterwards.

He has also used running to raise money for charity fundraising for the Prostate Project in Guildford near his home in Cobham.

Thousands are expected to take part in this year’s ABP Southampton Marathon which includes the full 26 miles, a half marathon, a 5k and 10k.

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