On 16 April 2025, retired banker Steve James (66) set off from Topsham in Devon with a plan, seven pairs of running shoes, and an elevated level of determination that's way beyond the comprehension of most of us.  

On 1 November 2025, remarkably suffering only from severely blistered feet and a flare-up of gout, Steve returned to Topsham after completing 200 marathons in 200 days around the mainland British coastline.

Steve is not the fastest runner to have completed this challenge. runABC reported on Nick Butter's incredible achievement in August 2021 when he took 128 days to clock up 200 marathons from the Eden Project in Cornwall. Steve James covered 5,240 miles to become the first man aged over 60 to run the full extent of Britain's glorious coastline.

This magnificent effort, having completed a 40-year career in banking, has raised almost £15,000 for two of Steve's preferred charities: Cancer Research UK and Devon and Exeter Scouts. Contributions can still be made to Steve's JustGiving page here...

On finishing his epic journey, Steve told a local reporter: "I haven't had a day off in seven months, so I'm quite looking forward to the prospect of a lie-in and not having to complete 26 miles tomorrow."

Researchers at the University of Exeter monitored the impact on Steve's body throughout the challenge. Commenting on the University's involvement, Steve said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the University’s support. It’s been incredible and gives a sense of purpose to the whole endeavour, I really appreciate that.”

Nutritional physiology researcher Dr Freyja Haigh said they had not seen a detriment to Mr James' overall health from the fortnightly blood samples he sent to them. "The body measurement changes suggest that Steve's weight loss is a result of fat rather than muscle, which is a positive result to see after such a long time in an energy deficit," she said.

We should give the final words to Steve James, who commented: "I've survived storm Floris and storm Amy, been through seven pairs of trainers, become a state pensioner, and climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest ten times. But it's shown me that you're never too old to take on something huge. You've just got to start and keep going."

Photo courtesy of Steve James Banker on the Run on Facebook