Ex-banker in run around Britain hits halfway point

Steve James has completed his 100th day in a row of running

A retired banker from Devon who is hoping to become the first man over the age of 60 to run the entire coastline of Britain is halfway through his challenge.

Steve James, 65, from Topsham, completed his 100th day in a row of running, midway through his goal to run 200 marathons in 200 days.

Monitored by the University of Exeter, he runs about six hours a day in an anticlockwise direction around the coast.

Mr James said: "There have been points where I didn't know if I'd make it, but I've proved to myself I'm capable of pushing beyond my limits, both physical and mental."

He started the challenge on 16 April in Topsham and is due to end it there after nearly seven months.

"Reaching the halfway stage is a milestone I could only have dreamed of when I set off 100 days ago," he said.

"It's overwhelming looking back on what I've achieved.

"I feel so proud of myself and hope I can inspire others over 60 that you are never too old to attempt the impossible no matter how ridiculous it seems."

Mr James, pictured before his challenge began, is being monitored by the University of Exeter

The Exeter research team assessed him before his departure and continue to monitor him throughout the challenge, evaluating his calorie intake, blood, oxygen and muscle measurements.

Dr Freyja Haigh, nutritional physiology researcher at the university, said the challenge "gives us a real insight into how this type of endurance affects the body of an older person".

"Having reached this point would be an incredible achievement for anyone, but doing it in your 60s is a whole different ball game," she said.

"What Steve is doing really challenges the stereotypes of ageing and redefines what's possible later in life.

"It's been such a privilege to work with him so far and I can't wait to see how he gets on in this next stage."

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 is the first person aged over 60 to attempt the feat.