Dedicated Runner Continues Daily Streak for Prostate Cancer Charity

A committed runner from Easington, County Durham, has maintained an impressive daily running streak since January 1, 2007. Paul Smith, now a retiree, plans to continue this remarkable achievement through January as he participates in the Run the Month: Marathon Edition for Prostate Cancer UK. This initiative encourages participants to cover a total of 26.2 miles throughout the month, either by running, jogging, walking, or wheeling the distance.

Smith has a unique approach to his daily runs; he often dresses up in costumes, embodying characters like Forest Gump, Freddie Mercury, and World Cup champion Bobby Moore during organized events. His inspiration for this commitment comes from his hero, the late Dr. Ron Hill, who famously maintained a daily running streak for 52 years, totaling 19,032 runs. Smith expressed his admiration, stating, “He completed a 52-year 19,032 run streak – so I have a fair way to go. Ron died in 2021 and I miss him greatly. Hopefully he lives on in my running.”

Running for a Cause

Smith’s decision to participate in the Run the Month initiative stems from a desire to support a cause close to his heart. He noted, “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.” His connection to the issue is personal; over the years, he has met many individuals affected by prostate cancer, and has even run alongside some of them.

The impact of prostate cancer extends beyond the individual, affecting families and communities. Smith aims to raise awareness about the disease and encourage men to understand their risks. He commented, “If I can raise awareness throughout January and get men to understand their risk of prostate cancer then I’ll be happy with that.”

Chris Jarrett, the director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, emphasized the importance of early detection. He stated, “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.” This highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive measures in combating the disease.

A Commitment to Running

As part of his commitment to the event, Smith has embraced creativity in his running outfits. For instance, he grew a beard for five months to authentically portray Forest Gump, and even shaved his head to resemble a monk for a St Cuthbert’s Day run. In a nod to Freddie Mercury’s iconic music video for “I Want To Break Free,” he took a vacuum cleaner along for the run, showcasing his playful spirit.

In addition to his personal running journey, Smith actively contributes to the athletic community by coaching juniors at Crook Athletics Club. His dedication to running, both for personal fulfillment and charity, exemplifies a remarkable blend of passion and purpose. As he continues his daily runs, Smith not only honors his late mentor but also strives to make a difference in the lives of those affected by prostate cancer.

In a world where health challenges are increasingly prevalent, Smith’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of commitment and community engagement in the face of adversity.