Marathon Man Ray, 79, Still Breaking Barriers

Ray Butler completed his fifth London marathon recently and again in an amazing sub-four-hour time, 3:52 to be exact, representing Thanet Athletics Club. At the tender age of 79 years young, Ray came fifth in his age group.

Ray’s back story is fascinating. He only took up running in his sixties after a work colleague had a triple by-pass and advised to get fit, dragged him along. Ray took to the treadmill and progressed to running outside increasing his distance, eventually taking his first marathon.

Ray and his medal with Thanet AC Chair, Julien Lawton.

He has consistently recorded sub four-hour marathons and is currently 22^nd in the world.

Ray is an inspiration to us all, young and old and I’m so pleased he’s a member of Thanet Athletics Club.

• Julien Lawton