Marathon man Steve Radjen, 60, completes charity challenge
Steve ran 60 marathons for Naomi's House & Jacksplace
Last updated 18th Mar 2023
Steve Radjen has raised more than £200,000 for children's charity Naomi’s House & Jacksplace, completing 60 marathons at the age of 60.
Steve is a trustee of the charity and has raised money for them previously with other marathon running quests.
Originally setting out to complete the 60 marathons in 60 days, Steve ran into issues when he collapsed on the fifth day, having lost a stone and a half in weight, but recovered to complete the last marathon on February 18th this year.
Asked by Greatest Hits Radio how it felt crossing the line for the final time, Steve said: “Instead of joy and celebration, it was just sheer relief that I’d finally completed what I’d set out to do in August.”
Steve described his task as “tortuous” and a “nightmare” after battling illness and injury. In marathon number 21, Steve was hit by an injury called Crepitus, which is an inflammation of the shin.
This means over a month of recovery, by which time the weather had worsened, making the runs more difficult as Steve battled gale force wind, torrential rain and sub-zero conditions.
However, there was one thing that Steve used to keep giving himself the strength to go on.
“On every single run I did, I had a USB stick that I wore around my neck. On that USB stick was the name of every child or young adult we’d ever cared, or are caring, for at Naomi’s House.
“So, when I was going through those dark moments, I would take 30 seconds to reflect on those children and families. I’d say to myself ‘this is tough, but what those children and families are going through is far, far greater.’”
Through his efforts, Steve has raised an incredible £205,000 and praised his wife for being the “silent hero”, supporting his efforts.