‘Inspiring’ deaf runner, 85, breaks parkrun records in Sheffield

An 85-year-old deaf woman who only took up running three months ago now holds the fastest times in her age group at five different parkruns.

Barbara Groves completed the 3.1 mile (5km) course at Sheffield Castle parkrun at Manor Fields Park in 47 minutes and is now a regular on Saturday mornings.

Despite her record-breaking time, Ms Groves said she was “not bothered” about the accolades but enjoyed how exercising regularly had improved her health.

She said: “I used to have bad knees and that’s all gone. I’ve got a frozen shoulder, used to be very painful, that’s all gone. So it does work and my balance is a lot better.”

Parkrun sees people of all ages and abilities gather in an outdoor space on Saturday mornings and run for 5km – or just over three miles.

Ms Groves had no previous experience of running, but after watching her son take part in a parkrun in September, she decided to give it a go herself and was immediately hooked.

“It’s the stimulation, you feel much, much better afterwards,” she said.

“Pushing yourself just that little bit more each time.”

Ms Groves now hopes to inspire others to join and highlighted how safe the event made her feel.

“When you go out on your own, it’s difficult because you can’t hear anybody behind or anything,” she said.

“There is no pressure, you can walk.”

Her son, Gavin Hogg, said he was “really proud” of his mother.

He said: “At the age of 85, to not have any background in running at all, and to suddenly decide, at an age when most people think I’ll just sit down and have an easy life, but to challenge herself and push herself, I just think it’s incredible.”

The Run Director at Castle parkrun, Ash Mellors, said Ms Groves was “an inspiration”.

“To see her turn up, week after week, and just smash the course, with a big smile on her face, it’s just incredible and she’s become part of the community here as well.”