Kirkcaldy man encourages others to take up running later in life after completing half-marathon aged 65

Keith Traill is encouraging people of all ages to get active having started running himself at the age of 63. 

Two years on, and now a member of both Kirkcaldy Wizards and Fife AC, he has completed 5ks, 10ks and even a half marathon– and he is feeling the benefits. 

“Following a period of busy working and family lives, I found myself relatively inactive and I wanted to change this, I wanted to get fitter,” he explained.

In 2017 he started with a few short runs on his own in his local area and entered a couple of races to give him something to train towards.

“I ran the Glenrothes 10k in a time of 1 hour five minutes and felt I was getting fitter, stronger,” he added.

Keith then joined local running group, the Wizards, in 2018.

“I was continuing with my local runs and took part in a couple of Parkruns,” he said.

“My Parkrun time back then was 30.25 and although I was happy with that, I was seeking to improve.

“At parkrun I met John Mcintyre (Kirkcaldy Wizards coach) and he encouraged me to come along and join the Wizards.

“I was a bit apprehensive at first as I felt I wouldn’t be at the standard of a running group, however, I took the plunge and headed along to training.

“At that time there were around 25 to 35 people each evening and the group has grown ever since.

“I felt I got a lot out of the sessions and saw my times improve with regular training, races and longer social runs with the Sunday morning social running group, Bacon Rollers.”

Now Keith had the running bug, he wanted to run faster and further, which led to him to join the more competitive Fife AC group, before signing up for his first half marathon for charity, The Loch Leven half in May 2018.

“I decided to run this for Tommy’s charity who offer support for people who have suffered miscarriage or stillborn babies, a charity close to my own heart,” he said.

“I put in extra runs, upped my training a bit to achieve this however as race day approached, I couldn’t help feel nervous.

“I got myself registered and headed to the start line where I met up with Paul Frape. 

“We decided to run it together, chum each other round and we finished in 2.04.00 and I raised £1000 for the charity in the process.”

Things changed a little for Keith in 2019 when he became a Wizards coach. 

“I really enjoy the coaching as it allows me to give a little something back into the club,” he explained.

“I like to encourage others, and to see them progress on their running journey.

“Due to this I now do the majority of my own training as solo runs just like the early days but I still enjoy running as much now as I did then. 

“Even when on holiday the trainers are always packed in the suitcase. 

“I have also been on training courses to be a Level 1 coaching assistant and will be assisting at Scottish athletics events in 2020.

“I am really looking forward to this next step in my journey as I really enjoy watching the progress of our younger runners and the enjoyment they get out of competing.”

Keith cites his favourite race to date as the Path of Condie half marathon, which he completed the day after his 65th birthday.

“I found this one a real achievement as it is a tough one, really hilly, however I really enjoyed the challenge,” he recalled.

His favoured distance, however, is the 10k.

“The 5k is a short, fast, lung burner, the half marathon needs a lot more commitment to training, so the 10k is best for me,” he said.

“My first was the Glenrothes 10k and I completed that in 1.05.00 and I now have that down to 49.41 at the men’s 10k in Edinburgh 2018.” 

Keith’s best times to date are 23.48 for Parkrun, 24.4 for the 5k, 49.41 for the 10k, and 1.58.44 over half marathon.

His hopes for the future are to stay injury free and to continue enjoying running while furthering his coaching knowledge.

And his advice to other spring chickens considering taking up running?

“Ten years ago I would have laughed had someone say I would be running ... or even running those distances at those times,” he said.

”It really does show that anything is possible, if I can do it then anyone really can. 

“Never give up on yourself, it will be tough, it will feel hard but stick with it. 

“Set yourself a goal, a target and believe that you can achieve.

“Best of luck!”