Man Ran A Marathon Each Day – For A Year!
I’m a runner… and I try to get in at least 3 runs a week. It’s usually 2 shorter runs, and then a long run on Saturday or Sunday. The longest race I’ve done is a half marathon. But when I started running, I never saw myself doing more than a 5K. Then my mom asked if I wanted to do the Peachtree Road Race, which is a 10K. After a few years of running, I finally did my first half marathon, and since then, I’ve done 4 half marathons. But this man ran a marathon each DAY for a YEAR! How crazy is that?
Man Ran A Marathon Each Day
His name is Gary McKee, and he’s from the UK. He started his challenge on January 1, 2022. He was running to raise money for cancer research, and a hospice in his hometown.
According to BBC News, he is a father of 3. When I first saw the headline, I thought, “There’s no way he could have a job.” But that’s because, in my head, I’m thinking a marathon would take many hours every day. However, McKee would often run his 26.2 miles before heading to work at a nuclear site.
During his year of running, he went through more than 20 pairs of shoes and ran more than 9,500 miles.
For his final marathon, crowds lined the street and after his finish, there were fireworks. But McKee admits he was nervous ahead of the last run. He told BBC, “It’s not the distance, it’s because it’s the last one. It’ll be a special day. Cancer affects everybody so it isn’t just a west Cumbrian thing, it’s a national thing.”
He managed to hit his fundraising goal of 1 million pounds as well! What an accomplishment!
Day 365 + One Million Raised = Job Done ✅️
— Gary McKee (@Marathon_Man365) January 1, 2023
Gary McKee has ran 365 Marathons in 365 Days in 2022
You can still donate at https://t.co/f3fEez6yLH pic.twitter.com/bgNI1iR5Ak
Running A Marathon
Honestly, I don’t see myself ever doing a full marathon. I’ve thought about it… but I don’t always LOVE running. I feel like 26.2 miles would be really hard on my body, but also my mind. I tend to get bored. I also don’t have the best back, hips, or knees! My first half marathon was REALLY tough. I probably hadn’t trained as well as I should have. And it showed. About half way through, my knees were hurting. I crossed the finish line and cried… then couldn’t walk. David had to carry me to the truck.
Thankfully, my second half marathon was much better… and I felt great afterward! But every run has potential to be really good or really bad.
I am currently training for the Augusta Half Marathon. That one is taking place on February 25th. I don’t have an “official” training plan. I’m sure I could be training better or smarter. But I’m mostly just doing my 3 runs a week, and trying to increase my long runs. I guess we’ll see how it works out on February 25th!
