Octogenarian runs fundraising marathon

By Errol Pike, Marketing and Resource Manager, Bible Society in New Zealand

ROTORUA, New Zealand — At 82, Les Marsh may have been the oldest competitor in this year’s Rotorua Fletcher marathon, but he was not the slowest.

Many others finished after Mr Marsh, who completed the gruelling 42 kms (26 miles) course in seven hours, 20 minutes.

The former missionary had decided to enter the marathon only three months before, so he enlisted help with his training. His son John decided to run, too, and on the day they crossed the finish line together.

“This is a remarkable achievement,” said Mel Bowen, Mr Marsh’s trainer and a regional Bible Society representative. “They both finished the race without incident or injury and even managed to overtake some of the slower competitors.”

The result of their achievement was the raising of money for Bibles for those around the world who do not have them. Their run means that more than a thousand Bibles will be printed at Amity Printing Press in China and distributed to Chinese Christians. (WR 378/17 - 7/8.03)