Grandad, 73, who's run 23 ultra-marathons says the secret to his success is hot chocolate and wine gums
A pensioner who has run a staggering 157 marathons – including 23 ultra-marathons – says a daily cup of hot chocolate and wine gums are the secret of his success.
Grandad Bill Mitchell, 73, began running in his early 60s but says that he is now the fittest he has ever been.
And it’s no surprise to hear that when you discover the former merchant navy officer from Turnditch, Derbyshire, has run the infamous Marathon des Sables – a six-day, 250km endurance test where temperatures often exceed 50C ‘ an astonishing three times.
Mr Mitchell said: ‘A lot of people resign themselves to old age. I always say to people ‘you’re never too old to do anything’.
‘The bottom line is anyone can do it as long as they’ve got the desire.’
Mr Mitchell said he found his second ultra-marathon easier than his first – and credits his unusual diet plan.
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He added: ‘I had hot chocolate every day. It was delicious. I also carried a small bag of wine gums with me.’
As well as the sweet treats, Mr Mitchell also follows a strict diet – that includes eating oily fish and avoiding meat, cream and butter – to ensure that is fit and healthy.
Mr Mitchell began running in April 2008 and his hobby has now led him and his wife Linda, 68, across the globe.
He said: ’It’s brought a lot into our life because we’ve gone and stayed all over the place we’d just not see if we stayed in Derby.’
Mr Mitchell still works as a marquee company director and said that his ambitions have only increased – and last year ran 18 marathons.
Speaking of his plans for more marathons, he revealed: ‘I want to try and do tougher races. I’m looking at a high altitude marathon in Chile across the Atacama as well as one in the Arctic circle.
‘I’ve always liked doing things with an edge to them.
‘I don’t like to boast. I wanted to rest in the Sahara at a check point. About 3am I got up and set off again. I was running up a sand dune and a runner came past and said ‘by God Bill you’re tough’.
‘I’m determined. Once I’ve made my mind up it’s going to happen.’
