I completed the first 10k in 1984 and now I have the running bug

Four decades after her first competitive race, a 64-year-old woman will run the Edinburgh Marathon for a Glasgow hospice.

Marie Waterson was 24 when she ran the Women’s 10k in 1984 to raise money to establish Glasgow’s first hospice, The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Bellahouston Park.

Later this month she will take part in the 26.2 mile marathon to raise money for the same cause in Glasgow to ensure people continue to receive good care.

Marie said: “I had never really run before taking part in the women’s 10k in 1984, but I completed it in around 47 minutes and it’s safe to say I’ve caught the running bug.

“It started as a New Year’s resolution and has turned into a lifelong passion.

“The Edinburgh race will be my fourth marathon and I have also run many half marathons and 10Ks over the last forty years.

“I never realized how much I would enjoy running. It has improved both my physical and mental health over the years. I find that when you go for a run, you can forget everything and just concentrate on yourself.”

Her children share in the joy of running and have completed races together.

As part of her preparation for the race, Marie is seeking advice from a personal trainer while focusing on her diet.

She added: “I am so determined to complete this marathon for the hospice.

“It only seems fitting that it is the 40th anniversary of my very first run and that it has been 40 years of hospice care.

“It’s such an amazing cause, they are absolutely incredible in the care they provide to people and their families, and running a marathon is a small thing compared to the difference they make every day.”

Rhona Baillie, CEO of The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, said: “We are so grateful to Marie for her long-term commitment to supporting the hospice.

“Only with the support of people like Marie can we continue to provide this compassionate vital care and we thank you for that.”