NE1 catch up with charming chap and Dunkirk veteran, Jim Purcell (or Jarra Jim). The 96-year-old is the Great North Run’s oldest participant and a true ‘Jarrow lad’.
Your motivation for running the Great North Run?
I watched the first ever Great North Run on 28 June 1981 with my wife Betty near our home in Jarrow, and told her that I was going to do it one day. I lost Betty in 1986 so made sure I continued to make her proud by running the Great North Run every year since.
I just love running. I’ve got 202 medals and trophies in my cabinet. I’ve finished 12 London Marathons, four marathons in Malta, several runs across the country, the Great North Swim.
What do you love most about the day?
Close to the finish line, when I make my way down that bank at the seaside and I hear people cheering and shouting, I can feel my through swelling up and I always get teary. People know who I am now and they all cheer me on. A couple with two bairns once took me in for tea after the race. I was planning on jumping on the Metro home, but they welcomed me into their home, offered me tea and dropped me off at my door once the traffic had calmed down. I don’t even know their names. But you never know, they might be at the finish line waiting for me again.
Is there a year that stands out to you?
One year, I had a good chat with Tanni Grey-Thompson and David Weir. But the greatest thing for me is the children. That’s what this is all about. That’s who I’m doing it for - not for myself. I run for handicapped children - they always invite me to their school Christmas do. I’m good friends with them all. I carried the Olympic torch in 2012 and all the kids lined up to get their photograph taken with it. I’ve still got it now - it’s here with me in a box.
How do you prepare?
It’s very different now, but at one time this was my routine: every day I would get up, go to the bathroom, look in the mirror (for the first laugh of the day), have a bath in sea salt, eat, go for a run, eat my dinner, swim about 40 lengths and then cycle home. So I was very active, but you’ve also got to have a sense of humour with it all - it’s the best way to live life.
Now, I’m obviously less mobile, but twice a day I’ll hold on to a rail and count to 300 as I jog. It keeps me fit, but I just don’t have the stamina these days.
Will you have a post GNR treat?
No treats, just back to every day life. I make my own bread, so might treat myself to a slice or two. I don’t drink, I stopped drinking when I got my pension when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister - I couldn’t afford it. But now I feel good for it.
Tips for younger runners?
One thing I always say is mind over matter. When god gives you life, you’ve got to live it - and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m no big star, I’m just old Jim from Jarrow. But if I make people feel happy then that’s great! I go to Morrisons and just stand there and people come up to me and ask for a hug.
Cheer Jarra Jim over the finish line at this year’s Simplyhealth Great North Run!
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