Osman Atakan Tekin is a 65 year old runner from Istanbul in Turkey. Osman has been an enthusiastic and dedicated runner for forty years, he is the editor of Maraton Türk and has run in many marathons around the world. He is a congress member of the Supreme Council of Fenerbahce Sports Club and he a leading figure of the Turkish running world.

What has been your favourite race so far? My favourite race is the New York City Marathon. I have participated in the NYCM 11 times with my disabled (polio) marathoner Yavuz Sap. I think in 2010 it will be our 12th participation in the NYCM. I have ran marathons in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, Bangkok, Cape Town, Hong Kong, Omsk, Moscow, Ulaanbaatar, Hanoi, Saigon, Phnom Penh, Istanbul, Sofia, Twente, Coamo-Puerto Rico, Kobe, Akashi Kaikyo Ohashi and Amagasaki.

What race would you like to run? I have been to 52 countries on 5 continents. I have ran marathons and road races in 20 countries. Unfortunately I did not run in London and Berlin so far. I would like to run in these quality city marathons.

City road or remote trail? I prefer asphalt roads for workouts and runs. If the roads are quiet and flat then I feel better.

Crowded 30K runners’ major events or quiet local ones? I like crowded events. I personally would like to see crowded roads during race. It gives me enthusiasm and power. There are people around the streets. There are applause, cheers, fun. There are also life and spirit on the city roads as New York.

One more reason to go running? Running is a way of life for me. I am 65 years of age now. Hope to run in my 85 as well! Read other ‘interviews with a runner‘.