A retiree from County Durham has maintained a daily running streak for 18 years and is now using it to raise awareness for prostate cancer. Paul Smith is participating in Prostate Cancer UK's "Run the Month: Marathon Edition" throughout January, covering 26.2 miles during the month.
Smith started his running streak on January 1, 2007, inspired by his hero Dr Ron Hill. Hill completed a remarkable 52-year streak of 19,032 runs before his death in 2021. Smith, who coaches juniors at Crook Athletics Club, has continued his own streak every day since.
The retiree has become known for his creative approach to organised runs, frequently dressing in elaborate costumes. He once grew a beard for five months to dress as Forrest Gump, shaved his head to look like a monk for a St Cuthbert's Day run, and even used a vacuum cleaner as a prop for a Freddie Mercury outfit. He has also run dressed as World Cup winner Bobby Moore.
Personal motivation
Speaking to PA Media, Smith explained his dedication to daily running: "Some people knit every day, others do jigsaws, I like to run. My hero was Dr Ron Hill, who I would later become good friends with and regularly run with. He completed a 52-year streak of 19,032 runs – so I have a fair way to go. Ron died in 2021 and I miss him greatly. Hopefully he lives on in my running."
He described his decision to support the charity: "I have decided to take on Run the Month: Marathon Edition for Prostate Cancer UK because it's a wonderful cause for a brilliant charity." Smith added: "Over the years I've got to know plenty of people affected by this disease, and have run alongside a few too. Prostate cancer affects so many men, but also their families and networks as well. If I can raise awareness throughout January and get men to understand their risk of prostate cancer then I'll be happy with that."
Charity perspective
Chris Jarrett, director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "We believe no man should die of prostate cancer, a disease which is curable if found early, but prostate cancer is also the only major cancer without a comprehensive screening programme."
The January event allows participants to complete the marathon distance by running, jogging, walking, or wheeling throughout the month.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
