Woman, 91, completes first 5km Parkrun

A Devon woman has urged everyone to keep active after doing her first Parkrun - at the age of 91.

Joan Norcombe took part in the 5km (3.1 mile) event in Seaton in September after deciding to give it a go having watched the runners go past her on the seafront for years.

Ms Norcombe was able to complete the course which goes along Seaton Esplanade and the town's pebble beach by walking around it in an hour and a half.

Although she was not planning on doing it regularly, Ms Norcombe said she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was hoping to do it again in the future.

Parkruns are held every Saturday across the UK and other parts of the world for free with people completing a 5km course.

Ms Norcombe said being able to do the Parkrun felt great and helped keep her in good health.

"I really feel it is important for everybody to keep active," she said.

"You've been given a life, so use it and keep it."

Her son Jeremy, who regularly attends Seaton Parkrun, said he was surprised when his mother mentioned her plans to complete the course.

"I thought, 'Oh, this is really good' and I was really pleased that she was up for the challenge," Mr Norcombe said.

He added he and his family were proud at what his mother had achieved.

Mr Norcombe said: "We're always amazed at how well she does and how fit she keeps and I just hope I've got some of those genes."

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