Devon man running 200 marathons in 200 days around British coast

A 65-year-old man is attempting to become the first man over the age of 60 to run the entire coastline of mainland Britain.

Steve James has challenged himself to complete the equivalent of 200 marathons in 200 days.

Researchers at the University of Exeter will monitor the impact on his body throughout the journey.

He set off from Topsham, Devon, on Wednesday and if successful will return there after seven months of consecutive days of running anti-clockwise around the coast.

Mr James, who trains 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.”

He added: “It’s going to be a real test of resilience, and of my ability to keep going through pain.”

To complete the challenge, Mr James will run for about six hours each day.

Dr Freyja Haigh, 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 ageing 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.”

The record for running the British coastline is held by Nick Butter, who completed the feat in 128 days at the age of 31.

Mr James now becomes the first person over 60 to take on the feat.

“It’s just taking each day at a time and what it throws at you and then piece it all together at the end,” Mr James said.

“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.”