Buster Martin, a 101-year-old from London, is Britain's oldest worker. Now, he plans to be its oldest marathon runner, too.
At one hundred and one years of age, Buster Martin sports a bushy white beard, and more than a few wrinkles. But while most men of his age would content themselves with afternoon naps, Early Bird dinners, and the occasional game of Bingo at the nursing home, Martin has considerably more on his plate.
The still-spry Martin works three days a week for a plumbing company in London, and is known to be Great Britain’s oldest employee. Last year, the centerian made headlines for singlehandedly fighting off three muggers. “They obviously thought I would be an easy touch because I’m old. But they soon found out I’m still a good fighter,” he told The Daily Mail.
Now, Martin’s putting his strength to the ultimate test: The former Army physical trainer has just entered the London Marathon, a grueling 42.195 km (26 miles and 385 yards) annual event, and one of the world’s top international races. Martin’s goal may sound like wishful thinking, but don’t be so sure: He recently completed a half-marathon in a little over five hours –not bad at all for an athlete who could be the grandfather of most of his competitors (and he just might be - the man has 17 children!).
Martin is collecting charitable donations to a nonprofit group, Rhys Daniels Trust, for every kilometer he runs in the Marathon. Though he hopes to make it to the finish line, he won’t get too bent out of shape if he needs to call it quits early.
“I’ve said I’ll attempt it,” he told Reuters. “I haven’t said I’ll complete it. If I do make it, all the better. I hadn’t thought of doing it before but someone asked me and the money goes to charity so why not?”
Should he make it to the finish line, he’ll celebrate with two of his favorite things: a pint of beer and a cigarette. (Hey, he’s made it this far – who are we to judge?)