MOST people choose to take it easy by the time they reach the age of 75 years old.

However, to celebrate his birthday Brian Symonds, from Tillington, clinched his age group victory in the Liverpool Half Marathon recording a finishing time of one hour and 51 minutes.

His time was so fast that he also managed to finish quicker than all those in the over 70 category as well.

It wasn't until 10 years ago when Brian's wife passed away that he took up the sport.

"A good friend of mine talked me into taking up running and I have never looked back," said Symonds.

"I hadn't played a lot of sport before except for a bit of cricket which was also later on in life. I worked for myself earlier in life so never really had the time for sport.

"Running was quite a bit of a challenge to begin with and I started on my own before joining a club after I had got up to five or six miles. I have had a lot of help from Wye Valley and also shed a couple of stone.

"About eight years ago I started taking part in events as there is always events on and I used to finish nearer the back than the front. Joining the Wye Valley Runners has helped me along the way with people helping stage by stage.

"The Wye Valley Runners is a wonderful club and I have made a lot of friends and also met my new partner Jan Edwards through the club. We enjoy going away for the weekend and doing a run while also flying the flag for our club.

"I knew I had won my category in Liverpool but didn't know I had got an award until a little cup arrived in the post."

Along with winning the trophy Symonds also gets a free entry for next year.

He will be back in action this weekend when he takes part in the The Gords 6 event hosted by Wye Valley Runners.

The charity race in memory of founder member Gordon Clements sees runners complete six miles along grass and woodland around the ancient hill fort of Caplor Hill near Fownhope.

Symonds also has the Cardiff Marathon in his sights for later in the year.