When Joeseph Camilleri crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon on Nov. 1, his watch read 3:58:32.<\/p>\n
For most, that number would be the headline. But for the 75-year-old Victoria runner who once gave up the sport for four decades, it was the story behind the time that mattered.<\/p>\n
Born in Malta, he first moved to England, then came to Canada in 1972 at 22 years old, joining his brother in Winnipeg, before moving to Toronto, and then landing in Victoria in 2010.<\/p>\n
That final move would end up changing his life.<\/p>\n
“Our son had moved here, so we came to visit him,” Camilleri told Victoria News. “We were walking by Mile 0, and I saw the Terry Fox statue. Right then, I was inspired to start running again.”<\/p>\n
Camilleri hadn’t laced up in more than 40 years, but something about seeing Fox’s legacy reignited a spark.<\/p>\n
“Running is like being free,” he said. “No constraints, no rules. You just put your running shoes on and go wherever you want.”<\/p>\n
Soon, morning jogs turned to races, and races to marathons.<\/p>\n
He is now nearing double digits in completed marathons, including Boston, London, and Chicago, with Tokyo booked for March. He is chasing the Abbott World Marathon Majors’ six-star medal, one of the highest goals in long-distance running.<\/p>\n
“I’ve done four of the six,” he said. “After Tokyo, I’m waiting to hear if I get into Berlin. That would complete the original six.”<\/p>\n
Before he even reached the start line in New York, Camilleri had already made his mark. He was selected to carry Canada’s flag in the Parade of Nations, a symbolic event held before the marathon that celebrates runners from around the world.<\/p>\n
“I was on such a high,” he said. “Holding the Canadian flag in front of the whole world was such an honour. I’ve made Canada my home, so to represent it like that in New York City was amazing.”<\/p>\n
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