Gary McKee ran the London Marathon with his 18-year-old son, Beau, to achieve his amazing feat, and the “marathon man”, who was made an MBE in January, is aiming to complete his mission to raise £1m for charity
A veteran fundraiser is set to hit his target of raising £1million for charity after completing 100 marathons in 100 days for his local hospice.
Gary McKee, from Cleator Moor, Cumbria, ran the London Marathon with his 18-year-old son, Beau, to achieve his amazing feat. Gary, nicknamed “marathon man” and made an MBE in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours List, raised more than £70,000 for Hospice at Home West Cumbria.
He was supported in his incredible feat of endurance by fellow charity legend Kevin Sinfield, who raised millions for MND research in memory of his late friend and former team meat Rob Burrow. He said the sun was relentless during the marathon, but crossing the line while holding his son’s hand with the other raised was “really emotional”.
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“When I was out on the course, people tapped us on the shoulder saying how inspirational we were,” he said. Sir Mo Farah came by at the start line and knew it was his 100th day. “He just said, ‘Mate, what you’re doing is incredible.'”
The 56-year-old, who works at Sellafield, started his challenge in January. Beau joined him daily for at least part of each 26.2-mile (42km) route. He aims to raise £100,000 from the challenge, bringing his lifetime total raised for the hospice to £1m.
Hayley McKay, from the charity, said McKee’s support would help it care for people into the future, and that the impact went beyond the money because it raised awareness. She travelled to London to watch him complete Sunday’s run.
“That first time we saw them and they saw us, they were punching the air and they were smiling,” McKay said. “It was so emotional, it was absolutely fantastic.”
Five years ago, Gary completed 100 marathons in 100 days despite having to train during Covid. He told the Mirror how he was doing it all in honour of his late father Victor, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1997.
He had by then raised £400,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support over 18 years after their nurses cared for his dad. Gary also ran 100 marathons in 100 days in 2017 which raised £120,000 in a series of extraordinary feats of endurance. He set out on the 2021 challenge on what would have been his dad’s birthday, who also raised money for charity.
“His loss was a devastating time for us as a family,” added Gary. “Macmillan nurses were amazing with him.”
Gary has fitted in his running around shifts at Sellafield nuclear plant. His previous charity challenges include a cycle ride through Brazil, a climb up Kilimanjaro, a trek in New Zealand and a run from Land’s End to John O’Groats.