THE oldest person to sign up to this year’s memorial 10k in Pontypool is encouraging other's to take part.

John Fry, who will have celebrated his 70th birthday by the time of the Mic Morris Memorial race on July 20, said: “It is a good race for people to take part as it is mainly downhill.

“But I would advise that people join a running club for training.”

Mr Fry ran the race for the first time last year, and warned that the last mile can be a struggle if people don’t pace themselves.

He runs regularly, training three times a week, covering distances of between three and 12 miles.

He started running in the 1980s as he wanted to get fit and since has competed in many half marathons, and has been a member of the Fairwater Running Club for 20 years.

Last year he completed the Mic Morris race in 53 minutes and 13 seconds.

He said: “I would be ecstatic to complete it in less than 50 minutes.”

The Argus' sister paper, the Free Press is sponsoring the event which is expected to attract 500 runners.

Mic Morris was a middle distance runner who died during a training run aged just 24.

Application forms are available from Cwmbran Stadium and Pontypool Active Living Centre as well as Christine Philpott on 01633 628936 or christine.philpott@torfaen.gov.uk

A Facebook page has also been set up called ‘Mic Morris 10k’

To support reporter Robert Owen who is running the race, post cheques made payable to ‘Mic Morris Trust’ to Free Press, at South Wales Argus, Cardiff Rd, Newport, NP20 3QN.