From Topsham to Scotland: one man’s 200-day run around Britain

A 65-year-old runner from Devon has reached Scotland after completing his 50th consecutive marathon along the coast of mainland Britain.

Steve James, a retired banker from Dartmoor, is aiming to become the first man over 60 to run the full coastline of mainland Britain — covering 200 marathons in 200 days.

Setting off from Topsham on 16 April, Steve has now reached the Scottish border, marking the quarter-point of his seven-month challenge.

Supported by his wife and five children, Steve has already covered 1,380 miles and spends up to six hours a day on foot. Nights are spent either in their camper van or in a range of accommodation along the way.

“I’ve made it all the way from Exeter along the coast to the Scottish border,” Steve said. “There have been a few bumps along the way, but I’ve overcome them all and am that much stronger because of it. I’m really looking forward to the many facets of the Scottish coastline and meeting the people of this beautiful country.”

The journey has brought challenges including harsh weather, footpath closures, severe blisters and a gout flare-up that required a hospital visit. Yet Steve continues, documenting daily data for researchers at the University of Exeter who are monitoring the physical effects of this ultra-endurance feat.

The research team, led by nutritional physiology expert Dr Freyja Haigh, is studying changes in Steve’s body through blood tests, oxygen levels, muscle measurements and energy balance. “What Steve is doing really challenges the stereotypes of ageing and redefines what’s possible later in life,” said Dr Haigh.

“So far, his results are looking good. We’re unsure whether the weight he’s lost is from fat or muscle, but we’ll be tracking changes in muscle thickness to find out.”

Steve added: “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.”

An experienced adventurer, Steve previously cycled around the world in 220 days in 2019 and has been taking on endurance challenges since his school days in Ten Tors.

The current record for running the British coastline is held by Nick Butter, who completed the route in 128 days at age 31. Steve is not attempting to beat that time, but to become the first over-60 to complete the journey.

“It’s just one marathon today, and then I’ll think about tomorrow,” Steve said. “You’ve got to break it down — if you think about the whole thing, you’ll go mad.”

Steve is raising funds for Cancer Research UK. You can follow his journey on social media as Banker on the Run, or donate via his JustGiving page.