"For the present, my aim is to run 75 marathons when I am 75 years old," Roy, now enjoying a well-deserved rest, told IANS.

New Delhi-based Roy has already competed and finished 68 marathons in the 70-plus-age category but says he is aiming higher.

"My motivation is to maintain the highest level of health that running has given me. Also, I want to show the world that age is no bar for excelling in sports," he said.

Roy, a self-motivated athlete, has achieved everything with little or no help from Indian sports authorities. He is keen to prove that if someone is determined, he can achieve his goals without official help.

"I want to show to the sports authorities in my country that I can excel in international sports without their help," Roy said, referring to the officialdom widely accused of being largely indifferent to the needs of Indian athletes.

Roy will decide on his next marathon only towards the end of the year.

"At present, I shall rest for a few months and then in October I will plan for the next races," he said.

Roy made a record of sorts when he became the first man to compete - and finish - three 42.2-km marathons in the 70-plus category this April-May.

The first event was at Charlottesville in the US April 16, the next was in Canada May 8 and the third at Buffalo in the US May 29. He was the quickest in his category in the third and last race.

An epitome of extraordinary physical fitness, strong willpower and determination, Roy holds several records and is featured in the Limca Book of Records 2004.

The following records are credited to Roy by the Limca book:
* The highest number of marathon races run by an Indian.
* The Asian record of running three marathons on three consecutive Sundays, within a span of two weeks, in 1999 in the US.
* World record of running two marathons on two consecutive Sundays in 2003 in Europe.