Cumbria’s Marathon Man Gary McKee will smash his all-time record of 110 consecutive runs this month.
The dad-of-three and group leader at Sellafield set off on January 1 on his challenge to run a marathon every day in 2022 in honour of his dad and to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and Hospice at Home West Cumbria.
On Thursday, he will run his 111th marathon – one more than his previous fundraising effort to run 110 marathons.
Gary, 52, will be cheered on by his wife Sue and three children, Alfie, Beau and Minnie along with well-wishers and supporters from Hospice at Home West Cumbria and Macmillan Cancer Support to celebrate going one beyond his all-time record.
He has so far raised more than £65,000 by running through the trails around his hometown of Cleator Moor between 8am and noon every day.
Gary said: “The reason I’m doing this is because I’m lucky enough to be able to take on a physical challenge of this scale, and every day I think about all the people going through cancer treatment who face their own physical and emotional challenges.
“If I can support people going through cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, while inspiring people to get out there and fundraise themselves, then every marathon I do every day is worth the effort.
“Every day from marathon 111 onwards to marathon 365 will be a new record for me. It is tough, but nothing is as tough as going through cancer treatment.”
Gary’s dad was successfully treated for cancer before his non-cancer related death.
Gary’s children have been cycling and running alongside their dad when they have been able to and his friend Michael Watson, of Whitehaven, was so inspired by the Three Six Five Challenge that he is taking on his own extraordinary challenge of walking 500 Wainwrights.
Michael said: “I’m doing this to raise awareness of Gary’s awe-inspiring feat. An injury means I can’t run any marathons alongside Gary at the moment, but I wanted to do what I could to show my support for him. I can still walk the fells, so I’m doing what I can to bring Gary’s challenge to the attention of as many people as possible.”
Ellie Mcmillan, communications co-ordinator for Hospice at Home West Cumbria, said “We are all in total awe of Gary’s commitment, dedication, and strength throughout his current 365 marathon challenge.
“As we approach day 111, we reflect on Gary entering a new milestone, as we celebrate Gary running one more marathon, than his 110-marathon challenge last year.
“The money Gary is raising will make a huge difference to the people of West Cumbria, and we thank you for being our Cumbrian hero!”
Sue McDonald, Macmillan fundraising manager for Cumbria, said: “Gary’s achievement in reaching the 111-marathon mark will be truly extraordinary. Gary has never faltered over his belief that he can do this, but we are very aware of what a massive physical and psychological commitment and achievement this will be.
“He embodies the Macmillan spirit of doing whatever it takes to make sure every person with cancer gets the help they need. The money Gary is raising will make a huge difference to how Macmillan is able to support people living with cancer and their families.”
To support Gary and his fundraising, visit: justgiving.com/threesixfive
