10-02-2025
Parkrun veteran Hilary Wharam runs final race at 82
A veteran runner has completed her final race after taking part in more than a century of events at her local Parkrun in Leeds - but isn't putting her feet up just Wharam, 82, has more than 200 marathons and 171 Parkruns to her name since she took up the sport aged as Ms Wharam is moving to Scotland to live with her daughter, Saturday was her last time running at Woodhouse Moor, which she has finished 112 Moor Parkrun director Anne Akers described Hilary as "a running machine", adding: "We are going to miss her so much."
Ms Wharam was given a standing ovation by volunteers and fellow members of her running club, Horsforth Harriers, as she crossed the finish line on Saturday."It was amazing," she said."I'm so well-known for so many things that I can keep going and take it in my stride.""Everyone knows Hilary because they see her everywhere, she's a running machine," said Anne."Not only does she come and run with us, but she also comes and helps to set up. She's just a stalwart."Ms Wharam plans to continue taking part in Parkrun events in previously spoke of her desire to complete 300 said: "When you live alone, you don't talk to anybody unless you come out and there's cake afterwards. What's not to like?"Twenty-two countries now have at least one Parkrun - a free, weekly timed 5km event."This is what Parkrun is all about," Anne said of Ms Wharam's story."It's about community, it's about friends."Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.
