Some people run merely for exercise, Leon Hayward says that he is running for his life.

This despite word from doctors that he should resist putting his body through such rigours because of a faulty heart valve.

The retired octogenarian took up running in 1979 after meeting local fixtures on the road running circuit Debbie and Jim Butterfield.

Since then the affable Hayward has competed in 18 marathons and countless other half marathons and 10K races and appears to be having the time of his life.

This year saw him take part in the May 24 Marathon Derby, where he was the last finisher, coming in 404th with a time of three hours, 12 minutes and six seconds. This despite noting that his legs felt "dead'' when he hit Front Street.

However, he found strength in the words of another runner who he said told him "just put one foot in front of the other and the rest will take care of itself''.

"I'm 83-years-old and still going and I plan to keep on going,'' said Hayward, wearing his signature plaid cap with a wool ball on top. "According to the heart specialist I need to have an operation to fix my aorta valve, but I don't. I leave it all up to the Lord.

"To me, I'm running for my life.

"Jim and Debbie got me really interested in running and after doing the International 10K I was hooked and I did my first full marathon in October of 1980.'' Hayward, who left Bermuda for the USA in 1951 and has a residence in Philadelphia, said the most recent May 24 race was his favourite because of the crowd and how excited and thrilled they were to see him.

LEON HAYWARD -- Has run 12 marathons since doctors told him to slow down.