A retired Harrogate police officer is set to take on the Herculean feat of completing 120 marathons in 120 days.
Graham Wilson, 54, intends to walk and run 26.5 miles a day every day for four months, starting in his hometown of Harrogate on Saturday.
The 120 marathons challenge, which is the equivalent of 3,180 miles, is back on track after a 15-month delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
His wife Marion and dog Tilly will support him from the sidelines for the next four months and will also join in at times.
After starting in Harrogate, Graham will complete three marathons in North Yorkshire before heading off in a van across 48 counties in England.
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He also plans to cover the marathon distance in parts of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of the Republic of Ireland, if covid travel rules permit.
The last marathon will be in Harrogate on October 23. So far, Graham has raised more than £40,000 for 15 charities. He said:
“I’ve always been into long-distance hiking. Now that I’ve retired from the police I want to do something to raise money for charities which I’ve come across.
“This includes the British Heart Foundation, which I’ve got a personal connection to after my dad experienced a heart attack when he was just 39.
“He sadly later passed away from a cardiac arrest, and I’ve also lost grandparents to heart disease too.
“I know the devastating impact these conditions can have and how important the BHF’s research is in finding better treatments and preventions to save more lives.”
The marathon challenge will also support Macmillan Cancer Support, Tiny Life, Saint Michael’s Hospice, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Living with CAH, Harrogate Homeless Project, Disability Sports Yorkshire, and numerous art groups.
You can donate here.
