Denis Paine, a 91-year-old resident from the Isle of Sheppey, marked his birthday by completing a 5km seaside parkrun at The Leas in Minster on January 3, 2024. Despite undergoing a hip operation the previous year, Paine demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination during the run, which he has participated in regularly since its inception in September 2019.
After crossing the finish line, Denis celebrated with a box of chocolates provided by the event organizers. He expressed his commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle, stating, “I’ll keep running until my legs won’t let me!” This statement encapsulates his spirited approach to life and fitness, which has inspired many in his community.
From Cycling to Running: An Inspiring Journey
Paine’s journey into running began relatively late in life. Before taking up running at the age of 83, he was primarily known for his cycling and motorbike racing. “I used to cycle and motorbike race, but I’d never done any running until I was 83,” he recalled. His interest was sparked when he observed one of his daughters participating in a parkrun at Sittingbourne. Intrigued, he decided to give it a try himself.
Initially, Denis built his stamina by running short distances between telegraph poles. He quickly progressed from those humble beginnings to completing his 250th parkrun in 2024. “It was great when The Leas started up because it is just down the road from us,” he said, highlighting the accessibility of the event.
On his birthday run, two of his three daughters, Karen Green and Angela Cruickshank, joined him along with their brother-in-law, Martin Edwards. Karen reminisced about her father’s early days at the parkrun, saying, “We thought he meant he was going to walk it but no, he decided to run – and he hasn’t stopped since.”
A Community of Encouragement
Denis’s story is not just about personal achievement; it reflects the wider community spirit fostered by parkrun events across the globe. Steve Chalke, who initiated the parkrun in Sheppey, played a significant role in bringing the event to life. He introduced the idea during a meeting of the Sheppey Community Development Forum, with support from Kent Sport and funding from the Minster-on-Sea Rotary Club.
Run director Tony Potter praised Denis’s commitment, stating, “Denis is amazing. He’s been coming since the year dot. It just proves that you can take up running at any age.” He emphasized that parkrun is inclusive, welcoming participants of all abilities, including those who walk, jog, or push strollers.
The event on Saturday marked the 254th parkrun at Sheppey, showcasing a vibrant community of runners. Volunteer Paul Murray noted Denis’s inspiring resilience, stating, “Despite a broken hip earlier in 2025, Denis has returned every week for parkrun. He is unbelievable.”
Denis shared details about his recovery following a serious biking accident in April 2023, which resulted in a broken hip requiring surgical intervention. “I have a pin in it now. My physiotherapist got me walking, and now I’m back walking and running,” he explained. He is gradually improving his time, currently holding a personal best of 33 minutes 29 seconds for the 5km course.
The parkrun course begins and ends at the Sweet Hut near the Playa pub, winding past a picturesque line of beach huts. This welcoming environment attracts runners from diverse backgrounds, including participants from Scotland, Canada, the USA, and South Africa. Although the runs are free, all participants must register online and are issued a unique barcode for time tracking, enhancing the organization and spirit of the event.
Denis Paine’s story serves as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to physical activity. His dedication not only enriches his own life but also inspires those around him, proving that it is never too late to embark on a new journey.
