On Wednesday, Rod Martin jets off for the biggest race of his life, representing Australia at the prestigious New York Marathon.

He was 40 years old when he ran his first marathon and 30-odd years later he's still pounding the pavement, clocking up 150 kilometres every week.

And your scribe can attest to his stamina having sat on my balcony and watched him go past, then come back again, day after day.

Every morning he runs from his Lakewood home to Dunbogan, through North Haven and back home again. A hand-written logbook, which has chocked up way over 70,000 kilometres, keeps track of his training and events.

And his motivation? "I like getting out in the fresh air and I like feeling fit," he said.

Rod said he was very proud to be running in New York.

"It's the pinnacle of marathon events for serious runners and I'll be competing in the Australian Masters colours, which makes it extra special," he said. 

"I'll certainly be giving it my best shot."

The New York City Marathon, has an estimated 50,000 participants, from the world's elite athletes to a wide range of recreational and charity runners. A record 50,266 people finished the New York City Marathon on November 3, 2013, making the race the largest marathon in history. 

The New York Marathon is run on Sunday, November 2, New York time (around 2.30am Monday, November 3 Australian EST). 

Source: Camden Haven Courier