A PASTOR at a church in Odiham near Hook is proving that age is just a number.
Andy le Roux, who is 55-years-old, completed the London Marathon in an impressive two hours, 54 minutes, and 55 seconds, breaking his club's record for his age group by nearly three minutes.
His impressive finish secured him a coveted spot at the 2025 Masters Marathon World Championships.
He'll also be running in an England shirt in the Manchester half marathon this year.
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Andy, who is the leader of Vine Church in Odiham and Fleet, took up running eight years ago and is enjoying getting faster as he gets older.
“Whatever your chosen activity, I think it’s important to stay healthy and have a balanced lifestyle," he said.
"It actually helps me in my calling as leader at Vine Church - to have time out, listening to podcasts, the bible, and commune with God in the beautiful Hampshire countryside.”
Balancing his pastoral duties with a grueling training regimen, Andy credited his coach, Kevin Munt of Hart Road Runners, for keeping him on track through the harsh winter months.
“It was hard work through the winter, but I tried to be consistent week in and week out,” said Andy.
“It was a good discipline to submit myself to someone else’s plan, it reminded me of the Christian disciple’s call to submit to God’s plans.
“The day before the race, I was suffering from serious imposter syndrome, my legs felt like jelly and I was doubting myself big time."
But on the way to the race, Andy said, he received a huge boost as he was reading Psalm 110: “your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew”.
"The psalm finishes with the encouragement 'But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way. He will be victorious',” he added.
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“This was exactly my experience – I set off at a reasonably aggressive pace, and wondered how long I could hold on. But each mile I found the water, nutrition, and motivation to stay refreshed and keep going.
"The crowds were amazing too, with funny placards such as 'Pain is temporary, kudos is forever'; and 'toenails are overrated'."
Vine Church services are held every Sunday at 10am in both Odiham and Church Crookham. You can learn more about the church at thevinechurch.org.uk/.
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