Bath Half Marathon Runner, 77, Attributes Medication-Free Life to Four Decades of Running

David Saunders, a 77-year-old resident of Cam, Gloucestershire, has been a dedicated runner for over 40 years and believes his long-term commitment to the sport is the key to his medication-free life. A familiar figure on the local race circuit, David has completed nearly every Bath Half Marathon since the 1980s and will once again take part in the event on Sunday, March 15.

Having run the London Marathon an impressive 14 times over his 45-year running journey, David compares the atmosphere of the Bath Half Marathon to that of the iconic London race. As a proud member of the Dursley Running Club, he was recently crowned the MV75+ champion in the Glos AAA Road Race Series 2025 and has competed in the Stroud Half Marathon around 40 times.

David emphasizes that the “secret” to his running longevity is listening to his body. Remarkably, he has suffered only one injury throughout his running career. He took up running after the birth of his second son and maintains a weekly mileage of 20-30 miles. His running journey began with the Frome Running Club in Somerset, where he lived for many years.

“It’s all about consistency,” David explains. “I’ve been fortunate to stay almost injury-free by taking care of myself, eating well, and not pushing too hard. Every morning, I do sit-ups, press-ups, and squats, and my only supplements are cod liver oil and glucosamine — no medications at all.”

While David no longer chases personal bests, his love for running remains as strong as ever. “I keep myself ticking over all year round and look forward to the Bath Half each year. The event is incredibly well organized, the crowd support is phenomenal, and the atmosphere rivals even the London Marathon, which gives me the same buzz every time I participate.”

Since its inception in 1982, the Bath Half Marathon has attracted thousands of runners tackling the 13.1-mile course annually. David’s unwavering passion and dedication serve as an inspiring testament to the lifelong benefits of running.