Perthshire dad completes 40 marathons for charity

Daniel during one of his 40 marathons. Picture: Gordon Donnachie

Daniel Kershaw, 39, from Perthshire was unable to complete his first marathon in 2010.

While on track to reach a personal best, the IT professional was struck by dehydration and lost consciousness on his 25th mile. Despite being unable to finish the race, he went on to complete another 40 marathons and raise £3,000 for charity.  “I ran my first marathon soon after my daughter was born”, Daniel explains. “She inspired me to increase my fitness level and lead a more healthy lifestyle. Once I’d trained up to marathon fitness, I thought why let it go, why not just keep going?”

In order to get in shape for the long distance races he takes part in most weekends, Daniel keeps his training down to minimum, which involves completing a mid-week 10k to keep him “ticking over”.

Daniel will complete another 27 marathons this year. Picture: Fiona Rennie

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Part of the attraction of taking part in endurance running for Daniel is being able to experience places he otherwise wouldn’t. One of the runner’s personal favourites was the Northumberland Coastal Marathon which starts on the grounds of Alnwick Castle and was featured in the Harry Potter films.

So far he has completed 40 marathons with the hope of reaching 67 by the end of the year, enabling him to join the 100 marathon club in 2017.

Daniel adds: “There’s also a social side to marathon and ultra running, and a whole community of like minded individuals have sprung up. The challenge of beating my previous times and increasing my goals is very addictive too.

“The buzz you get from completing an event can last for days.

“The Lairig Ghru Hill Race is one of my favourites. It’s just over the marathon distance and the scenery is absolutely stunning. I found The Glasgow to Edinburgh 55 mile ultra-marathon particularly challenging this year. It includes 55 miles on tarmac, cobbles and hardcore and really takes its toll on the knees. Also I’ve run some back to back marathons, two in the course of a weekend, which can be quite tough both mentally and physically.”

For his valiant effort and achievements, the father-of-two has raised over £3000 for various causes including War Child and Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.

With a further 27 marathons and ultras left to run this year, including the full 95 mile West Highland Way race, the Scafell Pike marathon and the Glencoe Mountain marathon, he’s set to collect even more.

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