For nearly 20 years, Chris Finn-Kelcey has been a volunteer marshal at the Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon, which took place on Sunday, 28 September 2025. But this year was different. Chris was missing from his usual post.

Chris had decided to swap sheepdogs for Guide Dogs and his high-vis vest for trainers, to run the race for charity and as a tribute to his twin brother Pat, who used to run in marathons, including London, but died in 2019. Chris said running has been part of his life since he was a boy, whether racing his identical twin Pat at school sports days, or chasing sheep across fields.

Chris is an 80-year-old sheep farmer whose family has worked the Romney Marsh land for over 400 years. The 20th anniversary of the Folkestone Half Marathon proved to be the catalyst for his charity run, which he completed in 2:25:59 to win his age group!

He explained his decision to run on his JustGiving page: "For nearly 20 years I’ve had the privilege of marshalling at this half-marathon, and in celebration of its 20th anniversary – and my 80th year – I've decided to take on the challenge myself. Over the years, I’ve always supported Guide Dogs, a charity close to my heart, through fundraising and other events.

"Guide Dogs provides vital support for people with sight loss, helping them regain their independence and live life to the fullest. This is a cause I believe in deeply, and I’m committed to raising as much as possible to ensure more people can benefit from the life-changing work they do."

Long-serving race director Ray Johnson praised the determination of those taking part and said he arranged for Chris to wear race number 80 – in recognition of his age – to give him “a spring in his step”.

Chris is over halfway towards his £5,000 target. Perhaps runABC South readers can help push him to the finish line with a donation on his JustGiving page here...

Information and results of the Folkestone Half Marathon are at the runABC South race listing here.

Photo courtesy Chris Finn-Kelcey on JustGiving