Runner, 90, who finished 10k in just over an hour sets ‘world best’ time for age

Ian Winship, right, and his grandson Kyle Fleming (North Lanarkshire Council/PA) Neil Pooran 3 minutes ago An “incredible” 90-year-old runner who completed a 10-kilometre race in just over an hour is believed to have set a world best time for his age.

Ian Winship was “delighted” when he recorded a time of one hour, four minutes and 37 seconds at the Cumbernauld 10k run on September 13.

Mr Winship, a former paratrooper and steeplejack who lives in the North Lanarkshire town, took part in the community event along with his daughter Fiona Fleming and grandson Kyle Fleming.

Mr Fleming explained that it was not the first time the “three generations” of runners had taken part, but they were nevertheless amazed by the grandfather’s achievement.

Scottish Athletics has said Mr Winship’s achievement is considered a “world best” in the M90 category rather than a “world record”, as non-professional road running events are not recorded with sufficient precision.

While there are no professional organisations which officially ratify runs in the M90 category, there have been no reports of any 90-year-old getting a faster time.

Mr Winship’s “remarkable” time has been hailed as an inspiration to other masters runners in Scotland.

Born in 1936, Ian WInship says regular exercise is the only secret to his strong performance (Neil Pooran/PA) Mr Winship told Press Association that he was emotional and “stood greetin'” when he found out his time at the end of the race.

He said: “You can’t get your mind around a world record – a wee guy fae Cumbernauld.

“It’s just unbelievable. Cumbernauld might be famous now because of me!”

Asked for his secret to such a strong performance, he says the only trick is “exercise” and enjoying the companionship it can bring.

The 90-year-old, who became a steeplejack after his time in the Army, has a regimen of long walks each day.

Mr Winship, a veteran of the Suez Crisis who jumped into Egypt near Port Said in 1956, says his next challenge will be to “live to 100”.

Mr Fleming told the Press Association his grandfather was in astounding health for his age: “He gets up every morning, goes to get his paper, goes to get his coffee. He does 20,000 steps a day.