At the age of 70, former Premier David Saul, plans to run the 10K race during the 35th Bermuda International Race Weekend tomorrow six months after a major heart attack.

The athlete, who says he has been running for 56 years, has also beaten prostate cancer and now has two coronary stents in his heart to counteract his genetic heart problems.

"I had my heart attack at age 69, the same age my mother died of the same problem," said Dr. Saul.

"My heart problems were completely genetic, I inherited it from my mother. Some people think that problems were caused by too much exercise but it was purely genetic.

"In fact, I am certain that as a consequence of half a century of exercise, my heart was strong enough to withstand what would have killed the average person."

After his heart attack Dr. Saul faced intense rehabilitation and was told by doctors that he should not walk up stairs or hills, lift anything over ten pounds or exercise for more than 20 minutes twice a day.

For a man who has been athletic and active his entire life, Dr. Saul admits it was hard to limit his exercise and that he was anxious to continue his running, swimming and workout regiment.

After several months of taking it easy on his heart, Dr. Saul went abroad to have it checked and to take a stress test. After passing his tests with flying colours it wasn't long before he got back into his regular exercise schedule.

"There was nothing wrong with my heart it was the plumbing that needed dran-o. So it didn't take long for me to start running again," he said. "First it was one mile – then two – then three and so on.

"From there I progressed to swimming three quarters of a mile every afternoon. After that I would go cycling or go to the gym. Then I started thinking 'maybe I can run six miles today, or maybe I could lift some heavier weights at the gym'. Then you think 'there is an entry form to fill out'. Here I am six months after a heart attack with two stents in me and I would like to say that I have fully recovered."

Dr. Saul says he wants to run in Saturday's race to inspire people with heart issues and show them that it is possible to overcome them. He said he will be wearing a shirt with a large, red heart on the front.

"I hope to finish the race in 52 or 53 minutes," he said. "I do not intend on being in the back of the pack."

l See today's Race Weekeed supplement, and Sport, Pages 15 – 17