Daniel’s closing in on his 100th marathon
Bankfoot runner will hit century at Strathearn event
Daniel Kershaw pulled on a pair of trainers and hit the streets with the simple aim of improving his fitness.
But after falling in love with running the Bankfoot resident is on the brink of completing his 100th marathon.
The determined 42-year-old currently sits two shy of the century but will complete the challenge on a special day in Perthshire.
This weekend’s Edinburgh Marathon takes the tally to 99 before celebrations begin after next month’s Strathearn Marathon.
“When my daughter was born, she is now nine, I decided to go out for a run to get fitter,” Daniel, who works in IT, explained to the PA.
“I had been off to university and got into unhealthy eating habits. I thought I would get some exercise.
“I’ve run in over 300 races now, 75 half-marathons and 98 marathons to date. It’s like an addiction, it takes up more and more of your time - and probably money as well.
“I met the president of the 100 Marathon Club when I was running the Loch Ness Marathon one year.
“I think that was my third marathon, but I decided I wanted to get to 100. It has taken me four years to get this far.”
Ticking-off his 100th marathon in Strathearn will be extra special for Daniel after spending much of his younger years in the village of Comrie.
And he is hoping his legs will remain fresh throughout the 26.2-mile test of endurance in order to clock a fast time.
“You have good days and bad days running,” Daniel said. “I like to do my best time but it’s difficult when you are running around 25 a year.
“This year I have managed to do most of my marathons under four hours but there is the odd one that is a disaster.
“I wasn’t sure what I was going to choose for my 100th marathon. But Strathearn is a nice local event, and is friendly.
“I know the organisers, grew up in the village and worked at the Cultybraggan Camp when I was a student. I know the area well.
“I’ve been to events like the Berlin Marathon, Paris Marathon, Lanzarote Marathon and Isle of Man. It’s whatever I can fit in at the time.
“The week after Strathearn I am down in the Lake District doing a 30mile ultra. It will move on from there.
“I’ve raised £7000 for charity while doing all of this and I’ve just come to love it.
“I love the social aspect, getting exercise and going to different places.”
Covering such distance on a regular Daniel will tick off his 100th marathon next month basis can, at times, take its toll.
But Daniel concluded: “I often limp around work but apart from that I’m okay. By Thursday I can usually walk again.
“I have had the odd injury which has kept me out for say three weeks at a time. That can be frustrating when you have races booked.
“But on the whole my body has held up pretty well.”