Sad news
The following is the article that appeared in the S. Wales Evening Post on the 28th January announcing the retirement of Martin Rees from competition.
Record-breaking veteran runner Martin Rees has been forced to hang up his shoes through injury. The 51-year-old from Cwmafan has decided to accept medical advice on a serious knee problem.
Rees underwent minor surgery to clear out some floating debris in his right knee last year.
But he experienced further problems and a scan showed the joint to be badly worn.
''I was told that if I kept on running then I would have serious problems with my knee,'' said the Swansea Harrier. ''I could tell it wasn't right when I was running and when a consultant gives you that advice I suppose you have to take it.''
Rees has enjoyed a remarkable career, on the road and track, since taking up the sport 14 years ago.
He currently holds the British over-45 records for five kilometres, 10K and 10 miles and over-50 records for 5K, 5 miles, 10 miles and the half marathon.
He is also the over-50 world record holder for 5,000m on the track, after posting 14 minutes and 53.2 seconds in Neath two years ago.
Among his highlights was winning the British Masters Cross Country Championships in Cardiff in 2003, when he beat runners 10 years his junior.
Others include posting a time of 14:20 for the 5000m in a British League meeting as well as winning the Richard Burton 10k in his home village of Cwmafan.
''I never thought I would win Cwmafan.
''But when I did finally win I won the next two years as well,'' added Rees, whose daily commute to work was a run from his Heol Tewgoed home to Port Talbot steelworks.
''I was seriously thinking of running another marathon this year and I had been in pretty good form before I had the initial clear-out of the knee.But that is how it goes.
''I have thoroughly enjoyed the running and made some great friends. ''It has been a big part of my life over the last 14 years,'' he added.
''I have run in places like New York, Paris, Rome, Milan, Portugal and they have been great experiences.
''I have been fortunate to have had great sponsors in D & M Sports in Ystradgynlais and Fastrax in Leeds who have helped me with the travelling and everything and I will keep an interest because my son David has started running competitively again.''
And as far as keeping fit? ''I will keep on cycling, I go up to the Afan Argoed on the bike, but as far as the running is concerned that's it.''
Robert Lloyd