Meet the 82-year-old record-breaking runner proving that getting older can’t stop you getting fitter

Peter Giles doesn’t follow convention. As he’s getting older, he’s getting faster.

He’s 82 now but started competitive running in his mid-40s, an age when most people have called it quits, but he’s still setting records and winning awards.

He bagged five gold medals at the 2024 World Masters Athletics Championships in Sweden.

And in December 2025, he broke the British 5km road record for his age (80 and older), lapping Battersea Park in London in 22:28, one second quicker than the mark he set a year earlier.

Famously, he also skips the gym and toasts each race with a coffee and cigar. And if you recognise him, it might be because he’s the former bass player in British prog rock band King Crimson.

The unorthodox athlete is part of The Legacy Team, launched by running brand Altra. This is the oldest running team in Britain, with a combined age of 321.

He’s bucking a trend identified by the company that the average Brit quits running at just 39, with one in three (32%) hanging up their running shoes permanently due to injury.

So what does he credit to his impressive body of work?

Not cross-training or extensive stretching.

“In the past I’ve done Pilates, yoga, swimming and circuit training but my body is perfectly happy just running now,” he says.

“I always ask it from time to time if it wants to do any cross-training, but it always says no.”

Instead, he explains to Fit&Well, three factors have always underpinned his longevity in the sport—three factors he believes can help anyone keep getting fitter as they get older.

1. Identify a goal that will keep you motivated

Before turning 44, Giles didn’t run competitively because he had no reason to.

That all changed when he set the goal of seeing how far the sport could take him.

“Running became a project because I wanted to find out what level I could get to: club, county, national or world standard,” he says, adding that he thinks no one does anything without a good reason.

“That was mine. I loved the challenge of competing in races and trying to improve my times.”

It took Giles 16 years of self-coaching before he started winning British Masters titles, by then aged 60.

He now holds 11 British Masters M80 running records (for those aged 80 and over)—a feat he says has never been achieved before in any British Masters age group.

“I intend to keep setting new records and improving those I hold already.”

2. Do it because you enjoy it

Nobody encouraged Giles to start running regularly, he was entirely self-motivated.

But joining a running club in 2002 brought “a new dimension” to his enjoyment of the sport.

“I could now race as a team member and enjoy the social aspects of club membership,” he says, reflecting on joining Hercules Wimbledon in 2002.

Joining a club, he elaborates, provides motivation, advice from experienced runners and coaches, and a sociable setting to work towards your goal.

“Running is also an opportunity to explore new places and routes.”

When not racing, he now covers 30 miles a week, running with training partners twice a week, with two or three shorter interval or fartlek sessions exploring his local woods or parks.

“I also recommend putting some music on to keep you going. The distance matters far less than simply putting one foot in front of the other and getting out there.”

3. Properly listen to your body

Giles has witnessed several younger runners pack in the sport because they ignored obvious warning signs.

“Many young runners overtrain and overcomplicate everything,” he says.

“Whatever your age, it's important to build good habits. I'd advise you to listen to your body. I often talk to mine during a run, and this helps guide each session.”

Tiredness and mild soreness are normal, he says.

“But sharp or lingering pain is a signal to ease off.”

He also encourages everyone, runners or otherwise, to respect when your body needs a break and to avoid chasing PRs and comparing yourself to others.

“Rest days are part of training, and taking one when you need it is a smart choice.

“Pushing your body to its limits is for elite athletes. For everyone else, easing off regularly is what keeps you running for years to come.”