Thanet Roadrunners AC's Phil Cope has won the men's over 70 category at the Kent Athletics Grand Prix for 2017.

Mr Cope beat many older runners across the county by accruing points across ten races of varying distances designated at Kent Grand Prix races.

He was awarded his trophy after the Canterbury ten mile race on January 21.

Mr Cope said: "I have to start by saying that winning this trophy came as a complete surprise.

"I guess most athletes feel that they deserve a rest at 70, but I would encourage any ageing runners to keep going at least until they realise the benefits of running at my age, not to mention the obvious physical and mental health benefits."

Mr Cope says he runs three to four times a week, but increases this to four or five days during marathon training.

"I do train regularly, running and stretching to stay fit, but I am definitely not a masochist." he added.

"I do think that older runners have to accept the benefits of adequate rest and recovery.

"Thanks to my club colleagues Steve Suttle and Dave Winch for encouraging me to enter other races throughout the year, which has helped to keep me motivated, and winning the trophy was a wonderful surprise.

"I am very proud to be the first winner of the Kent Grand Prix Men Vet70 trophy."

The club's chairman Terry Brightwell was full of praise for Mr Cope.

He said: "We are ever so proud of Phil for winning this title.

"A tremendous amount of training and dedication went into ensuring that he could run competitively at his age.

"All of us at the club are eager to see if Philip can retain his title for 2018."