The world’s biggest indoor rowing event will see around 3,000 entrants competing in different weight and age categories.
John Hodgson, from Cookridge, Leeds who celebrated his birthday in September, is to be the only competitor in the over-100s category.
Mr Hodgson trains at the gym three times a week at Armley Sports Centre and has been cross-country running and cycling since he was 15.
But he did not take up indoor rowing until he was 90 when he could no longer run competitively.
Since then he has competed at every BIRC since 2001, with the exception of 2007 and 2008 following the death of his wife Bertha.
The former soldier, who fought in the Second World War, said he was looking forward to the competition.
“You need great determination. I’ve been keeping fit since I was a teenager and it’s always been a passion of mine.
“I train three times a week with some friends at the local gym and I do quite enjoy the attention I get. But it’s my coach who keeps me going.”
The 100-year-old said he hoped to record a time of around 10 minutes and 30 seconds. The time of the overall winner – across all age groups and categories – is likely to be around 5 minutes and 40 seconds.
A spokesman for the event organisers described Mr Hodgson as a “remarkable character” and said the competition “took no prisoners”.
“His athletic ability is phenomenal. Most people struggle to run for the bus at the age of 60 but he was running into his 90s.
Read more at The Telegraph
But he did not take up indoor rowing until he was 90 when he could no longer run competitively.
Since then he has competed at every BIRC since 2001, with the exception of 2007 and 2008 following the death of his wife Bertha.
The former soldier, who fought in the Second World War, said he was looking forward to the competition.
“You need great determination. I’ve been keeping fit since I was a teenager and it’s always been a passion of mine.
“I train three times a week with some friends at the local gym and I do quite enjoy the attention I get. But it’s my coach who keeps me going.”
The 100-year-old said he hoped to record a time of around 10 minutes and 30 seconds. The time of the overall winner – across all age groups and categories – is likely to be around 5 minutes and 40 seconds.
A spokesman for the event organisers described Mr Hodgson as a “remarkable character” and said the competition “took no prisoners”.
“His athletic ability is phenomenal. Most people struggle to run for the bus at the age of 60 but he was running into his 90s.
Read more at The Telegraph
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