And even though 50 years have now passed since that win, Leeds pensioner Max Jones is in no mood to hang up his running shoes.

The 80-year-old has competed in more than 400 marathons and races and has been running for more than 60 years.

The grandfather will be among thousands of competitors taking part in the Help the Aged Leeds Abbey Dash next month.

Max, a world record breaking octogenarian marathon runner from Oakwood, can still give his younger rivals a run for their money.

It was in 1946, when Max was a student at Cambridge University and Roger was at Oxford, that they competed over seven and a half miles.

"I ran against Roger Bannister and beat him in 1946," said Max. "It was cross country.

"Admittedly, it wasn't when he broke the four minute mile in 1954."

The retired engineer and metallurgist also trained in the 1940s with Bannister's two pacemakers, Chris Brasher and Chris Chataway.

Max is a coach with Leeds running club the Valley Striders and still trains six times a week.

He was part of the coaching team which helped Leeds optician Tracey Morris train for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Max's latest challenge is the Help the Aged Leeds Abbey Dash on Sunday November 25 where he will be the oldest competitor in the 10km race.

He is hoping for a time of under 50 minutes.

"You had to tick your age category on the entry form, and they didn't have one for 80, so I drew my own box," said Max.

"It's great being 80. I feel very well indeed.

"I train six times a week and run on the road as I find the pavements are full of old ladies walking their dogs and they get in the way somewhat.

"I don't run or jog, I don't like those terms. I race or am in training to race."

In 1997 he set a world record for his age group in the British 24 hours championships in Hull. He ran 118 miles in 24 hours with only short breaks for refreshments. He came second in the event overall.

Miranda Harman, Help the Aged events organiser, said: "Max epitomises the spirit of the Help the Aged Leeds Abbey Dash. He is setting a fantastic example.

"By taking part alongside the thousands of other participants Max will be helping to raise vital funds for disadvantaged older people."

Yorkshire older people's projects will benefit from money raised, including the funding of a second HandyVan service to cover parts of West Yorkshire. The YEP is a media partner of the event.

Entry is £15, or £13 for UKA affiliated runners. Entrants will receive a running number, Help the Aged running T-shirt, fundraising advice, sponsorship forms and a full training programme. To take part log on to www.helptheaged.org.uk/dash, e-mail dash@helptheaged.org.uk or call 020 7239 1922.