A city man celebrated his 70th birthday in memorable fashion as he took on his toughest fitness challenge yet.  

Paul Coleman, a retired pastor from Spixworth, set out to complete a 70km run (43.5 miles) on his milestone birthday last Sunday (October 8).

Norwich Evening News: The 70 year old said it was a struggle but he wanted to do it The 70 year old said it was a struggle but he wanted to do it (Image: Paul Coleman)

His run took him from his home to Wroxham, to Aylsham via the Bure Valley path and then back across to Norwich on the Marriott's Way.

Having only completed his first half marathon (13.1 miles) in May of this year in preparation for ‘the big one’, taking on 70km would prove a huge challenge.

Norwich Evening News: Paul Coleman even had to run in the dark Paul Coleman even had to run in the dark (Image: Paul Coleman)

Paul said: “I wanted to do something significant to mark my 70th birthday, something that would benefit the charity Compassion UK, that my wife Linda and I sponsor children through and volunteer with on a regular basis.    

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“So, I set out on this crazy challenge to run 70k on my 70th birthday hoping to raise at least £7,000 towards an agroecology project that will benefit many many families in Togo, Africa, which is a country of people living in abject poverty.

Norwich Evening News: He ran through many well-known routes in Norwich He ran through many well-known routes in Norwich (Image: Paul Coleman)

“So, on Sunday I completed the challenge. I don’t mind admitting it was tough but I had the goal in mind of what the funds are going to help enable in Togo." 

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Like Paul's efforts, the agroecology centre has ambitious goals. Once it has been constructed by June 2024, the centre hopes to deliver a three-year training programme of agroecological techniques to more than 2,000 young people and 1,500 caregivers by December 2025.  

Norwich Evening News: Paul Coleman ran 70km to celebrate his 70th Birthday Paul Coleman ran 70km to celebrate his 70th Birthday (Image: Paul Coleman)

Paul is well on his way to hitting his £7,000 target having raised a total of £5,625 for the charity so far, which works to "protect and empower" children left vulnerable by poverty.

He still hopes that he will reach his goal and so is still accepting donations which can be made at challenges.compassionuk.org.

Norwich Evening News: He said it was tough, but he was able to do it He said it was tough, but he was able to do it (Image: Paul Coleman)