On Sunday 4th October 2015, Steve Edwards aged 53 from the Cotswold town of Moreton in Marsh will run his 700th official marathon race at Bournemouth’s Marathon Festival. In doing so he will set a new world record for running 700 marathons in the fastest average finish time – just under 3hrs 18min for every single one!
Steve is no stranger to world records. He ran his first marathon in 1981 at the tender age of 18 and although vowing ‘never again’, became the youngest person in the world to run 100 marathons at the age of 28. He then went on to set world records for the most official marathon races in a year (87), the youngest person (aged 29) to run 200 marathons and the fastest 10 marathons in 10 consecutive days.
He’s still the only athlete in the UK to have run over 300 marathons inside 3hr 15min, the only athlete in the world to have run 600+ marathons inside 3hrs 30min and holds the world record for the fastest average finish times for 400, 500 and 600 marathons. On average he’s run an official competitive marathon race every 14 days for the last 27 years.
And those are just the stats. Family man Steve, has three grandchildren, holds down a full-time job in IT and has travelled all over the world to set these marathon running records. But he maintains he could never have done it without the continued loyal support of his adoring wife, Teresa.
Edwards, who has run every Bournemouth Marathon since its inception three years ago, said “Bournemouth has always held a special place in my heart and I dream of one day retiring to the town’s sandy shores!”
Part of the wider Bournemouth Marathon Festival which launched in 2013, the race has quickly become one of the must-do events on the UK road running calendar, gaining IAAF Bronze Label recognition earlier this year.
With its stunning sea views, fresh crisp clean air and the very best of Bournemouth and Poole on show, the event attracts thousands to the lively Dorset coast for a weekend of ‘running as it should be.’
Easily reached by rail or road from London, Bournemouth offers a chance to run 26.2miles in one of the UK’s premier seaside resorts and enjoy a well-deserved ice cream and a calf-cooling dip in the sea afterwards.
The marathon is one of six events taking place across the 3-4 October weekend, consisting of Saturday’s 1.5k and 2k junior races, Supersonic 10k, the spectacular Speed of Light 5k before Sunday’s half marathon and marathon. Entries for events other than the marathon will remain open beyond 8 July, until they reach capacity.
All six races take place on fast, PB-potential courses and feature the unique chance to run to the end of Bournemouth’s historic pier and back.
Event Manager Martin Yelling, former international athlete and husband to twice Olympian Liz, said: “What Steve has achieved so far, and what he aims to do, is absolutely incredible!”
“We look forward to welcoming thousands of other people to the glorious Dorset coast in October to meet their own personal goals over distances including 5k, 10k, half marathon and the full marathon.”
“Families, running clubs and friends love taking on a challenge, enjoying the stunning coast, relaxing post-race in the gardens and celebrating in the lively town afterwards. Around 15,000 took part in last year’s BMF and we expect 2015 to be bigger and better than ever.”
“So if you are looking for an Autumn marathon to remember, come and try Bournemouth. We’d love to see you.”
BMF races will take place on Saturday 3 October ahead of the Supersonic 10k (4pm) and Speed of Light 5k (7pm) and one day before the half marathon (8am) and marathon (10am). Standard entries close for ALL EVENTS at 5PM WEDNESDAY 9th SEPTEMBER.
For more information, including entry details see www.run-bmf.com. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BournemouthMarathonFestival or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/RunBournemouth