LLISWERRY Runners will be well represented at the Snowdonia Marathon on October 27, with around 30 of the club’s members expected to take part in the race. Among them will be two runners whose participation holds some extra significance.

Carl Elliott, 73, has been running with the Lliswerry club for more than thirty years. As the years have passed, he said, he has become less interested in a fast time and more focused on the social side of running.

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“Youngsters want to do everything at 90 miles per hour, and that’s no good for us older ones,” he said.

At the running club, Mr Elliott is well-liked and praised for his work with the “Couches to 5k” scheme, helping new runners trying to find their feet.

“I help different people at the club who want to learn,” he said. “That’s what I’m here for, to give something back like I had when I started out."

One of Mr Elliott’s clubmates, Andy James, said the 73-year-old was an “outstanding” member of Lliswerry Runners.

“He’s known for being so encouraging,” Mr James said. “He’s always a happy chap.”

Mr James, 48, will also run the Snowdonia Marathon, completing the 26-mile route four times in 24 hours, to raise money for the Ty Hafan children’s hospice.

“It’s mindblowing what they do there, and the amount of detail they go into,” Mr James said.

“Even for a child who’s going there for two weeks, they’ll find out what they like and decorate the room specially for that child. It’s outstanding.”

Mr James, who regularly runs 30-mile distances with his dog, Duggie, will set off on the first of his four marathons on the afternoon of October 26.

He will then run through the night, almost without pause, before running the race proper the following morning.

After his 104-mile run, he plans to enjoy a few drinks with his clubmates before catching up on some much-needed rest.

“Andy’s one of those people whose legs never stop,” Mr Elliott said.

To donate to Mr James’ fundraising page, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/eryri4