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Diamond couple go the distance

A long-distance runner has looked back over his record-breaking career as he prepares to celebrate another milestone – celebrating 60 years of wedded bliss.

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A long-distance runner has looked back over his record-breaking career as he prepares to celebrate another milestone – celebrating 60 years of wedded bliss.

Ron Bentley, aged 81, achieved running fame in 1973 when he completed 161 miles in a single 24-hour event held at Walton-on-Thames – a new world record at the time.

And it was not the only running success he enjoyed. In 1971 he won a 100-mile race held in London completing it in a time of 12 hours and 37 minutes – the third fastest time in the world.

Mr Bentley joined Tipton Harriers in 1951 after leaving the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He remains club president at Tipton Harriers to the present day.

"The feeling I got from taking part in these events was wonderful," he said. Mr Bentley, of Prospect Road, Gornal Wood, is now celebrating another achievement as he and wife Eva celebrate their diamond wedding.

They were married at Hurst Hill Methodist Church on August 16 1952. They first met in 1949 at a dance held at St Peter's Church, in Upper Gornal.

The couple have two children 57-year-old Jane and 53-year-old Ron and three grandchildren.

Mr Bentley, now 81, said: "My wife was always very supportive of my running. She made a lot of sacrifices."

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