Date published: 15 July 2026
John Little took up running in his late 40s. Almost 40 years later, he’s still on track.
It’s fair to say that John is one of the older runners at his weekly Parkrun session in Warrington. Aged 83, he’s never lost his competitive edge, admitting to a friendly rivalry with a fellow octogenarian and still getting a buzz from crossing the finishing line.
Like many other Parkrunners, he enjoys the friendship and sense of community as much as the run – considered to be a main reason for its worldwide success.
Although his age is no barrier, he has adapted his running style over the years and is now following the “Jeffing” method.
John says “It’s ideal for older runners or people recovering from an injury who can’t run continuously. The idea is to give yourself frequent recovery breaks. Jeffing is also brilliant training for anyone wanting to take up running for the first time.”
Strength training at a local gym has also helped John keep running, especially after knee surgery 13 years ago. He continues to challenge himself, developing an exercise he calls ‘Bat Abs’ which sees him doing sit ups while hanging upside down from a bar.
But he says that being around people at the gym is just as important for his health as the exercise.
“My training buddy is actually 40 years younger than I am. I keep up with him though! Having the chance to spend time with friends of all ages, has been the secret to my wonderful retirement.”
Named after the American Olympian Jeff Galloway, the Jeffing technique alternates short intervals of running and walking to improve endurance and reduce injury risk.
Parkrun was founded by Paul Sinton-Hewitt in 2004. A club runner, he was unable to run due to an injury and was struggling with his mental health. He arranged to meet up with friends for a weekly timed run followed by a coffee together – a tradition Parkruns uphold to this day.
‘A run, not a race’, the combination of fresh air, exercise, inclusive atmosphere and socialising has a positive effect on mental as well as physical health.
GP surgeries now offer Parkrun to patients as part of what is known as ‘social prescribing’. Last year more than 850,000 people attended an event for the first time, some of whom described themselves as previously ‘completely inactive’.
Julie Channell, lead physiotherapist in Mersey Care’s Sefton Pulmonary Rehab team says, “As we age, there is a gradual reduction in lung capacity, muscle mass and strength. A combination of both endurance exercise, like running, and strengthening exercises will improve how the body uses oxygen.” Exercise physiologist Rebecca Cuff adds, “Regular resistance training using resistance bands, light weights or body weight - for example squats or wall push‑ups – make our muscles stronger to use oxygen for the energy we need to complete everyday tasks.”