Broadcaster to turn roadrunner

He can be found pounding the roads in the Culmore Point area of Londonderry, sporting sweatbands and a six pack in preparation for his Waterside Half Marathon and New York marathon debut later this year.

Running seems to have become a new passion for the Londonderry celebrity, who says he ran in school but never long distance

“I used to run in school but I never ran long distance or anything like that. I did a leg of the Belfast Marathon back in May but that was only to cover for Nolan who couldn’t do it,” he says.

But things are different now. Mr Anderson is in training and runs every day.

“Yes, I am in training now and approaching peak physical condition. I have a six pack – I got it in the supermarket. “I am really looking forward to the Waterside Half Marathon, it’s a bit of a milestone on the journey to New York. “When people ask me how long the marathon is I say ‘until the ambulance comes.’

“No, seriously though it’s 26 miles and I don’t expect to run it all, my goal is to finish it. I will probably run/ walk for 5 or 6 miles, I find that’s the way to do it considering my advanced years – I am now 48 you know,” he continues.

Gerry Lynch, organiser of the Waterside Half Marathon was at school with Anderson and remembers his old running days.

“I used to run but Gerry used to run away, you would see him with the long hair looking very much like primitive man.

“I know he can talk but can he run? I must say though, it’s great to see Gerry promoting running and encouraging people at all levels of fitness to take part in the activities that the Half Marathon has to offer.

“I seen him recently on one of his training walk/runs and I have to say I am impressed, very very impressed. He certainly looked the part, I would say he’ll probably win best dressed male runner for definite,” says Gerry Lynch.

The Waterside Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at the Gransha Grounds, Clooney Road.

The event, which is celebrating its 30th birthday, continues to be a great occasion for athletes of all levels and abilities including club runners, joggers, fun runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes.

It will also be Gerry’s first big test

“Yes I’m on track for the Half Marathon and feel confident that I will be able to do it. There seems to be more interest in the Waterside for definite since it has become more accessible. I met a man the other day, he was heading over our new Peace Bridge to St Columb’s Park and he was telling me it has been 43 years since he had been in the park, since before the troubles. And I was thinking wouldn’t it be nice to see everyone running over the Peace Bridge, that would be some sight, wouldn’t it? I’ll have to have a word with Gerry Lynch about that,” he says.

Asked how his recent interest in running came about, Gerry explains: “Well, this came about when I was talking with a woman from Action Cancer about taking part in the New York marathon on the radio and I thought to myself - that would do me no harm at all.

“Actually I then thought I would really love to do that, to see New York, the greatest City in the world, to run through the streets, over the Brooklyn Bridge would just be fantastic.

“Of course I have to raise money and they asked me if I would do a poster and billboard campaign to help encourage others to do it. I am very happy to be supporting Action Cancer with this and of course seeing myself up on billboard posters means that I have to do it.”

Gerry certainly seems committed and has been training daily on the quiet country roads near his home.

“I run the back roads, it’s beautiful and a great feeling. I have been training alone up until now but I have reached the time when you need to build strength and that means going to the gym, building up endurance.

“People have been very supportive and good to me, the wonderful City Hotel here have offered me use of the gym and pool facilities and I am now going to start seeing a trainer.

“Running a leg of the Belfast Marathon made me realise that you can run twice as far with people with you – there’s a buzz in numbers and so imagine in New York with all those people, how exciting!” he says.

Asked about rumours that his co-presenter Sean Coyle would be taking up the Waterside Half Marathon’s 10 Mile Walk Challenge Anderson sighs: “At the beginning there was a flicker of interest in him, but it died, like most things within him, he’s so selfish, he has to have a wee lie down most afternoons now you know.”

Gerry says he would have no hesitation in encouraging people to take up marathon running.

“I mean it’s hard but then like they say no pain no gain. I feel 100% better since I started training, I have more energy and I am better looking and more attractive.

“I would say to people to get on the phone and register for the Waterside Half Marathon today and you’ll be glad you did. I was always a great walker which made it less difficult but running is a different matter – running gets the gravy going, you can feel it doing good,” says Gerry.

The Waterside Half Marathon is organised by Derry City Council with support from it’s sponsors BT and Seagate. For more information on the event and how to enter please visit www.derrycity.gov.uk/halfmarathon.