Sergio completes his 75th parkrun – at the age of 75

Sergio da Silva, who has worked as an interpreter for the Magistrate’s Court since retiring from the probation service in 2009, is keen to get the message across that people of his age can be just as active as those much younger.

‘What I am achieving in running terms is nothing extraordinary,’ he said. ‘For example, last year a man of 72 completed the Marathon des Sables [a gruelling ultra-marathon across the Sahara of just under six full marathons in six days]. Many people refer to older citizens as “the ageing population” and say “You have had a good innings” – terms which, in my view, are derisory and imply that older individuals should not be taken seriously – past their best maybe, but still able to offer a huge amount of skills and wisdom.’

Sergio, who moved to Jersey from Madeira at the age of 15, puts into practice what he preaches, training regularly and competing in the weekly 5-km Jersey parkrun held on a Saturday at Les Quennevais, as well as other distance races.

‘My 75th parkrun on reaching 75 years of age is a good opportunity to highlight and recognise Jersey’s parkrun as an outlet for fitness and health,’ he said. ‘We all know that running is not for everyone but a jog or a walk has long been viewed as a beneficial way of engaging mind and body for a positive outcome. Credit must be given to all those who volunteer and make it happen.’

During his running career, Sergio has run four ultra-marathons and six full marathons, his first being in Jersey in 1984, as well as countless half-marathons, his preferred distance, for which he has a best time of 1hr 28 min 26 sec. He is still competing at a high level, winning the over-70s category of the half-marathon in Funchal’s festival of running for the past three years. He intends to continue training and is already organising an over-70s relay team for next year’s Standard Jersey Chartered Marathon.

On Saturday, he lined up for his 75th Jersey parkrun, alongside over 200 other participants, including his son, Paul, who travelled from his home in London for the occasion, and who is himself an ultra-marathon runner and has set up two parkruns in East London.

Sergio, who completed his 75th run in 26 min 27 sec to claim first place in his age category, was joined by fellow runners for coffee in the sports centre café afterwards.

‘My main aim is to highlight the fact that people of my age can do things just like others half my age do,’ he said.

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