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NEWS Sep 11 2003
Toronto Waterfront Marathon
September 11, 2003
Ed Whitlock to attempt world record, sub-3 hour marathon for 70+ at Toronto Waterfront, 28 September
Ed Whitlock, the indefatigable Canadian running phenomenon, confirmed today that he will make another attempt to be the first person in the world, aged 70+, to run under the 3 hour mark for the marathon, at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on 28th September.
Whitlock already holds the world record as the oldest man to break the 3-hour barrier, which he did at age 69 years, 237 days, at the Columbus Marathon on 29 October 2000. That day, he ran a remarkable 2:52:47. [see http://www.runningtimes.com/issues/01mar/whitlock.htm]
Since then, Whitlock has continued to re-write the record books. He now holds the official world records for 70+ for both 5000m [18 minutes 33.38 seconds] and 10000m [38:04.13].
In May 2001 Ed had what in his own inimitable, quiet and modest way he describes as "a disappointment". In his first attempt at a sub-3 hours for 70+, he ran 3 hours and 24 seconds!
Throughout 2002 he was bothered by knee problems that held him back from another attempt. In an interview done with Lynn Kobayashi this spring, he was asked the pointed question, "will he make another run at the world mark?"
"I am beginning to have hopes about trying again", Ed replied, "but time is not on my side." [see http://members.rogers.com/longboatexpress/Articles/whitlock.htm] Perhaps encouraged by Fauja Singh, the 92 year-old Briton who will be trying to establish a new world record for 90+, of sub-6 hours, on the flat, fast Toronto Waterfront course, Ed Whitlock will make another magical attempt at defeating Father Time on September 28th.
According to Ed, "I do plan to run the marathon and join Fauja and others, but I would have wished another month of preparation. Hopefully everything will go well and I will be the first 70 year old to break the 3 hour barrier".
Join Ed and Fauja at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
Enter at www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com