Seven marathons, seven days: Matt’s story

June 2023

In July, WAY supporter Matt is running a gruelling seven marathons in seven days in memory of his brother-in-law Clax and to raise funds for WAY. That’s nearly 200 miles in one week! Here’s Matt’s story.


I first started running when I had just left school in order to get fit to join the military. Ever since then (23 years later), I have used running as a way to stay fit, relax and help my mental health. I started running local half marathons and completed the Great North Run in Newcastle on four occasions. However, I was always looking for the next challenge and applied for the London Marathon, which I ran in 2008.

Since then, I have continued to challenge myself and completed various 100 mile/24hour/100km/50mile/50km races. However, I enjoy marathons the most and have now completed over 70 official marathons, which have mostly been local events in and around the East of England.

At the start of this year my brother-in-law Clax passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving his wife Nicky, daughter Hope and the whole family devastated. Having seen the utter pain Nicky and Hope have been through, and feeling completely helpless in trying to take their pain away, I wanted to do something for them. WAY Widowed and Young have supported Nicky and Hope with trying to rebuild their lives, and I thought it would be good for me to raise money for the charity that is helping them.

I have always wanted to run multiple marathons as a good way to challenge myself, and after the events at the start of the year, I thought this would be a good time to do it. I have run many marathons at the Suffolk running centre in Barrow over the years and have run individual marathons during the Great Barrow Challenge (10 marathons in 10 days) every summer when the event has been on. With the help of my family and my employer, I have managed to sort the first seven days of the Great Barrow Challenge in which I will run a marathon a day for 7 consecutive days. 

I have always loved running and most people, including myself, would say that I am completely addicted to it, so the training for this event has not been too difficult for me. I expect it to be hard. I expect to doubt myself on a few occasions. However, I will keep on going until I cannot run any further and then if need be walk and crawl the rest.

I feel honoured to be representing WAY. I feel happy to help support Nicky and Hope.

Matt also shared his story in Suffolk news. 

Please show Matt your support

Feeling inspired?

If Matt has inspired you to take on a challenge for WAY, check out our challenge events to find the perfect event for you. You don't have to be a runner to get involved - there is something for everyone.

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