The Running Man
I spent the weekend in Essex visiting family.

A drive along the A128 to Brentwood reminded me that last time I was there a few weeks ago, I saw a sight that I had forgotten from my childhood.

Our school bus used to go along that road, and virtually every morning for the entire 7 years I went to that school we’d see The Running Man.

He was a middle aged gent, always smartly dressed in a brown suits, brown shoes, brown tie and light brown shirt, no matter what the weather, who would run along the path, always at a steady pace. I think he had a deformed arm, cos it was always held across his body at chest height and his hand curled into a kind of claw.

Now, I started at ‘big school’ in 1985 and left after my A-levels in 1992, so its 23 years since I first saw him.

I go back fairly frequently, probably once every 6 weeks or so, and often get a lift into Brentwood to go out with old friends etc.

Last time I was there, I looked out the window and a great big grin came across my face as I exclaimed ‘Running Man!’

He’s old.

But he’s still alive! He’s still running!

He’s still wearing the same bloody clothes!



Yay Running Man, I am glad you’re not dead*.

*Running Man was not dead as of August 2008. This information may no longer be correct and the author accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies in this information.
( scarpe We Stole Bikes, Mon 3 Nov 2008, 9:07, 3 replies)

What sort of time??
I work in Shenfield, and sometimes use the A128. I'll keep an eye out for him.
(Kliper Filllets Getting noticed by twats on the internet since, Mon 3 Nov 2008, 13:43, closed)

When I saw him last
it was a Saturday afternoon.

But going back to when I saw him all the time it was usually during the morning school run, so I guess between 8 & 8.30.
( scarpe We Stole Bikes, Mon 3 Nov 2008, 13:58, closed)

Regular Nutters
I'll look out for him. I miss the old dear in a bobble hat who used to walk between Rayleigh and Shotgate mumbling to herself all the time. Such sights are what keeps you feeling sane (by comparison).
(Kliper Filllets Getting noticed by twats on the internet since, Mon 3 Nov 2008, 14:42, closed)