Evergreen Jim breaks relay world record at the age of 82
Well-known Kilbeggan runner Jim Langan has bagged himself a world record at the age of 82.
Jim, who runs for Tullamore Harriers, was part of the Irish team that claimed a new world record in the 4x800m relay in Abbottstown on February 12. Jim's record breaking team mates were Sligo's John McDermott, Meath's Tom Durcan and Mick Kiely from Cork.
The team's time of 13:51:40 is just over two and a half minutes faster than the previous record held by a US team since March 2023.
Speaking this week, Jim said that he never expected to become a world record holder, let alone when he was in his 80s.
Over the last two years, he has won a number of over-80s national titles on the track and at cross county and is eager for more.
He says that running is good for his mind and body and has helped get him through some difficult times over the years. He is not the only member of his family bitten by the running bug, his daughter Michelle Langan runs with the Blackrock club in Dublin.
Running for 69 years and still clocking up between 25 to 30 miles a week, Jim says that he is enjoying getting out into the fresh air as much as ever and will continue for as long as his body lets him.
“As long as the legs keep going, I will keep going too,” he says.