Retired Dartmoor runner attempts 200 marathons in 200 days around UK coastline

A 65-year-old retired banker from Dartmoor is attempting to become the first person over 60 to run the entire coastline of mainland Britain.

Steve James, who set off from Topsham, Devon, on Wednesday (April 16), plans to run the equivalent of 200 marathons in 200 days. 

His route will take him anticlockwise around the coast, supported by his wife and five children.

Steve will be running for about six hours each day, staying in different accommodations or using a camper van for support. 

Researchers from the University of Exeter will monitor the physical impact of the challenge on his body.

Steve, who has trained daily on Dartmoor, said: “By the end of this challenge, the scientists will have more insight into how far a 65-year-old person can push their body! Of all the challenges I’ve done, this is the most extreme and the biggest stretch – there’s no guarantee how far I will get – I might collapse after 10 days! It’s going to be a real test of resilience, and of my ability to keep going through pain.”

Exeter’s sports and health science researchers will track Steve’s blood, oxygen, and muscle levels, gathering data on how extreme endurance affects older bodies. 

Dr. Freyja Haigh, a sports and health science researcher at the University of Exeter, said: “We’re delighted to work with Steve on this amazing feat, which really challenges the stereotypes of aging and redefines what’s possible later in life. In our research we’re often working with large groups of participants, so we can control conditions and see what patterns emerge. You can’t do that when it comes to the extremes. Monitoring Steve gives us a real insight into how this type of endurance affects the body of an older person – and whether there are both positive and negative effects.”

Steve, who previously cycled around the world in 220 days, is now aiming to break the record for running the UK coastline. 

The current record is held by Nick Butter, who completed the run in 128 days at the age of 31.

Steve said: “It’s just taking each day at a time and what it throws at you and then piece it all together at the end. I’m just running one marathon today then I’ll think about tomorrow. You’ve got to break it down, if you think about the whole thing you’ll go mad.”

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the University’s support. It’s been incredible and gives a sense of purpose to the whole endeavour, I really appreciate that,” he added.

To follow Steve's journey or support his cause, visit his social media under "Banker on the Run" or donate to his JustGiving page for Cancer Research UK