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Marathon man's 900-mile hospitality challenge

Federica BedendoNorth East and Cumbria
News imageLicensed Trade Charity/Platinum Live Gary McKee at the start line of his 900-mile challenge in John O'Groats. He is standing next to a stone feature with an inscription of John O'Groats. He has short salt and pepper hair and short beard. He is smiling at the camera and is wearing sunglasses perched on top of his head and a mint green T-shirt with a logo.Licensed Trade Charity/Platinum Live
Gary McKee is known as Marathon Man for his fundraising challenges

A fundraiser known for his marathon challenges has completed a 30-day run across the length of the country.

Gary McKee clocked up 900 miles (1,448 km) running from John O'Groats in Scotland to Land's End in Cornwall, just months after completing 100 marathons in 100 days.

He travelled through hospitality communities across the country raising money and awareness for The Licensed Trade Charity, which gives hospitality workers financial and wellbeing support.

The Cumbrian dad, who became known as Marathon Man after running a marathon a day for a year in 2022, said he was "immensely proud" to cross the finish line.

McKee, from Cleator Moor, near Whitehaven, said: "Every step was powered by the warmth, generosity, and resilience of the hospitality community.

"From the local pub teams cheering us on in the baking heat to the tens of thousands joining us virtually on [fitness app] Strava, the support across the country has been nothing short of humbling."

News imageLicensed Trade Charity/Platinum Live Gary McKee standing at Land's End with two members of his running support team. All are wearing mint green T-shirts with the words "lucky saint" on the front. They are standing next to a black and white finger signpost detailing distances from Land's End to other places, such as New York and John O'Groats. The men are pictured side-on posing for a picture. They are all smiling and one is giving the camera a thumbs up.Licensed Trade Charity/Platinum Live
Gary McKee led a team from John O' Groats to Land's End

McKee and his team covered about 30 miles (48 km) each day and received support from pubs, bars and hospitality workers along the route.

The 56-year-old was awarded an MBE for services to charity and the community after he raised more than of £1m for Hospice At Home West Cumbria with his 2022 challenge.

He raised a further £1m for the same charity with his 100-marathon challenge, ending at the London Marathon in April.

The Licensed Trade Charity's director of operations Joby Mortimer said it was "truly remarkable" to see the support McKee received for his latest fundraiser.

He said: "The physical achievement alone has been extraordinary, but what has inspired us most has been the incredible response from hospitality businesses, pub teams, communities and supporters."

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