AFTER taking up marathon running when most people are considering winding down their sporting activities Yeadon's Reid Haddow has won a bronze medal in Australia.

The 55 year-old former barber is well known throughout the area for his soccer activities but when he reached the age of 40 he took up the challenge of marathon running. His first attempt was in the Bradford Marathon and his latest effort in Brisbane, Australia, was his 58th.

Competing in the over-55 to 60 section of the World Veterans' Marathon Championships Reid produced an excellent run of 3hrs 21 mins 30 secs to help the Great Britain team to the bronze medals behind gold medallists New Zealand and silver medallists Canada. The other counters in the Great Britain team were Robert Young and Ian Donnelly.

Reid finished 20th overall out of 460 runners in what was his 58th marathon race. The 55 year-old said: "It was a great experience. The Games lasted ten days and the marathon was on the last day. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the whole Games, it was something special.

"They are held every two years and I hope to be selected for the next one in Peurto Rico. The Brisbane race though was the highlight of my career. To finish with a bronze medal was totally unexpected. Up against the best in the world in your age group it was a real thrill to get a medal."

Far from winding down his training Reid is set to continue and he may try the New York Marathon in November and has definitely got his sights set on the London Marathon next April hoping to make that his 60th marathon.

The Grade One soccer referee is a vice-president of the Wharfedale Football Association.