Ben Lupton completes 100 Marathons

On Saturday 21^st December 2019, MACS Member Ben Lupton achieved something truly extraordinary. Aged just 21, Ben has just completed 100 Marathons (running races and events of 26.2 miles or more). Ben is one of the youngest people in the world to achieve this astonishing feat. We asked Ben a few questions about his running journey and here’s what he told us!

Ben, many congratulations, what an achievement! How did you find it today?

Pretty amazing to have completed 100 marathons. It has been an emotional day but I am so very happy.
I had lots of fun today as runners all cheered me along and kept me company. I finished in 5hours 28 minutes. I wanted sub 5m30 so am very happy! I had so many people cheer me in, including another MACS family!

That's so great to hear. Can you tell us a bit more about your running journey? What was your favourite marathon and why?

I actually have 3 favourite courses not any specific marathon! Phoenix Running is one of my favourites, running along the Thames from Walton on Thames. 1 route we even get to go over a blue bridge 16 times. It is 8 out and back laps for a marathon. Another route is Plym Trail with First & Last Running based in Plymouth, where we run along an old railway line. It has a dark tunnel along the route, so I wear a head or chest torch to help me see a bit better. The other route which I have only done this year is Bournemouth Marathon. I wanted to sign up to do it next year, but it is no longer happening.

What was your favourite running memory?

I have so many memories from the events I have been at that I don’t have one favourite! Each marathon or run I do has their own special meaning and something fun happens at every one of them.

What was the hardest marathon?

The hardest marathon I have completed was Giants Head Marathon by White Star Running in Dorset. It has lots of hills and narrow paths. It was a very hard day for me but I had fun as I ran with my Dad as he was completing his 100^th marathon that day!

What do you like most about running?

The really nice thing about running is you get to meet lots of people and make some lovely friends. I really enjoy being at events where people achieve amazing goals, like completing their first 5k or anything above, everyone has their own goals to achieve and should aim high.

When did you decide you wanted to complete 100 marathons?

When my dad did his 100^th marathon, it was my 10^th marathon that day and I thought I can get to 100 marathons too!

Can you remember your first marathon and could you tell us more about it?

My first marathon distance was an LDWA (Long Distance Walking Association) event in March 2016, this was local to us so we knew some of the route, and they also had lots of sausage rolls! Dad and I walked the event so I could understand the full distance of a marathon without lots of crowds. My first marathon with running was London Marathon 2016, I was 18 years and 3 months. I really enjoyed London but found water bottles and gels left on the floor very tricky, Dad and I had to try to avoid so much of it. Also they didn’t have sausage rolls!

How long did it take to get to 100?

My first marathon was on the 20.03.2016 and my 100^th Marathon is 21.12.2019 so that is a total of 1372 days or 3 years, 9 months and 1 day! 😊

Wow that didn’t take long, did it! Truly astounding! What are you going to do next, keep running? Do you have anything on your mind or just keep enjoying the different events?

I will keep running, I would like to get to 100 half marathons, I have done over 30 so far, Mum has said she will add them up when she gets time. I will still do marathons as well 😊 I will also by the end of the year complete 52 marathons in 52 weeks 😊

We know you always wear the MACS vest when running but how many pairs of shoes have you worn out?

I have worn out at least 5 pairs of road trainers, plus a couple pairs of trail trainers too. I am going to get some new trainers after Christmas ready for next years events.

You are such a great ambassador for MACS. What do you like most about MACS? Which events do you attend?

The most important thing with MACS is making new friends and catching up with those I have already made. The events are so friendly & welcoming, no one judges you or gives you funny looks. My Favourite event every year is the MACS Annual Family Weekend, we have lots of fun and there are lots of families that come along.

That’s lovely to hear. Is there anything else you might want to add?

I never thought I would enjoy running but once I started I found it was something I could do and have fun at the same time!

And the final question is to the whole family. Could you tell us a bit more about the first time you got involved with MACS? Can you remember how you found MACS originally? What was the first event you attended? Do you still enjoy being a part of MACS even though Ben is all grown up?

We found MACS on the internet when Ben was 7 years old, we attended our first event in 2006, when he was 8, at the Annual MACS Family Weekend We were so nervous so only booked to stay for 2 nights not the full 3. Well we didn’t want to go home at the end of it! All the family had so much fun, Ben has 2 siblings, 1 older & 1 younger and the event welcomes the whole family 😊 MACS has grown so much over the years but the main thing that hasn’t changed is that MACS is for families and supporting each other. We are still very active members of MACS, I am one of the Trustees now and have been since 2010, I love being able to give something back and help support other families. The rest of our family are also still very involved and love attending MACS events.

Thank you for the interview! Once again, huge congratulations Ben, enjoy the celebrations and good luck for your future adventures!

 

Ben has created a fundraising page to commemorate his achievement. If you would like to show your support, you can leave a message and make a donation here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenLupton