Ex-smoker, 61, impresses at Regina half-marathon

Robert Humphries smoked for 45 years. Now, the 61-year-old is smoking his competitors on the track.

Humphries posted the best time in the 60+ age group at Regina Police Service Half-Marathon Run/Walk Sunday.

Not bad for an ex-smoker who took up running just four years ago.

"My son and wife were running so I wanted to do something with them, "said Humphries, seconds after hitting the finish line.

"After a couple of years of running, I finally quit smoking. Now I've been smoke free for three years and my times have improved. I'm no longer a prisoner to smoking. To substitute it with running makes me feel like I've really accomplished something."

Hundreds of runners and walkers were treated to blue skies, no wind and comfortable temperatures .It seemed to suit Iain Fyfe. For the third straight year, the 28-year -old posted the fastest time among all competitors.

"I keep saying these things are too hard and I'm gonna stop. But then I do another one and another one. It's a habit," said Fyfe, who also runs full marathons.

"There's lot of young kids coming up so I have to keep training or they're going to catch me."

To check all the official race results, go to the Regina Police Service Half Marathon website.