train to experience downright slothful . On Saturday , Fauja Singh became the oldest someone to ever complete a full - distance endurance contest when he finished the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in just over 8 hours , 25 minutes ( and no , he did n’t finish in last spot ) .
The British moon curser , who turn 100 back in April , chalks his success up to “ not smoking or fuddle alcohol , staying convinced — and eating ginger curry , ” but experts in geriatric medication say that , at least in Mr. Singh ’s case , there ’s likely a mountain more at work than healthy living alone .
“ He is obviously a highly exceptional somebody . marathon are a major stresser on your body . At the age of 100 most people are concentrate on 10 yards rather than a marathon , ” said Dr. Sharon Brangman , chair of the American Geriatric Society .
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“ He is definitely a unequalled individual – not like any patient I have ever select . ”
The BBC explore some of the reasons Singh is the oldest person to ever course a endurance contest , and how his success has inspired others :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia1oNDNSOK8

longsighted - distance running is severe on the body – and the older you get the greater the toll it takes .
The heart becomes less efficient at pass on oxygen – an average 60 - class - older pumps 20 % less oxygenated origin than a 20 - year - old .
Muscle metier also decline acutely once you pass 70 , at a rate of about 30 % per decade , accord to some subject area .

Your ligament and tendon become more brittle , create you more prostrate to trauma , and your lung tissue becomes stiffer and less effective .
But if you are in good health and used to training , some of these ravages of age can be slowed down .
And there is a growing lot of hoi polloi who find they can carry on to lumber the pavements into their eighty and even 90 , if they calculate after themselves by rights .

To them – and younger people who believe marathon - running is the key to a longer life – Mr Singh is a Heron .
you could read more about Singh ’s incredible effort over atBBC News .
Top image via BBC

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