On this day five years ago, in 2020, Darren Towart achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new world indoor hurdling record.
The 42-year-old Tynedale Harrier ran a time of 60.57 seconds in the over 40 (M40) 400m hurdles at the English Institute of Sport Northern Championship in Sheffield, surpassing his own previous record of 60.80 seconds set just a year earlier.
At the time, Towart expressed his delight at the achievement, stating, "It was scary.
"I travelled with the knowledge of running the indoor track there last year, and that did help.
"I knew what I had to do.
"But this time I was in the outside lane, and you really get a sense of running down the hill on the bend, and hitting a hurdle at speed.
"I performed well.
"I was trying to beat 60 seconds but I lost my momentum on the last hurdle.
"Nevertheless, it was an absolutely brilliant experience and I loved it."
The success not only brought personal satisfaction but also financial support from Lookers Van Centre in Newcastle, which pledged assistance for Towart's upcoming trip to Portugal for the European Masters Indoor Championships.
Additionally, he received backing from Voom Nutrition, a company that produces nutrition products for athletes.
Towart's running schedule remained busy as he was preparing for the NIA Live event in Dublin the following week.
In 2019, he was a reserve member of the squad but was called into the team, where he notably won a bronze medal at the World Indoor Championships in Poland.
This was first reported on by Joseph Tulip on February 12, 2020.
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