“I run with a new person every day”: The epic 366-day challenge raising thousands for Parkinson’s UK

The runner has spent every day since running a mixture of 5km, 10km, half and full marathons with someone new – spreading awareness of the power of community and the health benefits of constant movement.

The runner has spent every day since exercising with someone new – spreading awareness of the power of community and the health benefits of constant movement.

As he reaches his 300th day of the challenge [26 October], Simon has racked up 249 hours and 52 minutes of running, and covered a total distance of 2,424km. He has had an elevation gain of 25,376 meters – equivalent to 3 times the height of Mount Everest.

Simon, who works as a director for DCBL, began running regularly just over 10 years ago, in 2013. He set a personal target of running 100 marathons in 10 years and raising £15,000. He completed the challenge instead in eight years and reached his fundraising target for Parkinson’s UK.

In total he has now completed 120 official marathons, and during his journey, Simon realised the power of running not just to highlight important causes, but also for its ability to bring people together.

In 2024, he started a new campaign to run with a new person each day, snapping photos with the friends, family members, strangers and celebrities who have joined him for his daily exercise. Simon set out to raise a further £15,000 - £30,000 in total – over the calendar year and is well on his way to achieving the target.

Simon has been joined by the likes of Jimmy Adams the ex-Hampshire cricketer, Adam Holland the Guinness World Record holder for completing 10 marathons in 10 days in the fastest aggregate time, and Steve Edwards, the world record holder for running 1000 official marathons in the fastest average finish time.

Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK has taken part in the 366-day challenge, with the organisation’s Chair, Gary Shaughnessy, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2015 planning to take part in the coming weeks. Members of Simon’s local running club The Romsey Road Runners have also “tagged in” for several runs, with plans to jog alongside players from Widnes Vikings Rugby League club in November.

Simon stated: “I’ve been astonished by how much goodwill there is around running. It’s such a healthy habit. We all need to move as much as we can, and there is a wonderful community out there trying to make that happen.

“My mother was always such a hard-working and active person and Parkinson’s continues to take a lot from her. I’m doing this for her – to raise awareness of a debilitating condition and give something back to a charity doing vital work.

“My message is simple: Keep running as long as you can. If I can inspire just one person to take up this healthy habit I’ll have achieved my mission.

“I am still looking for running partners for the remainder of the year and my calendar is open for anyone that would like to join me. I’d like to add a few famous faces to the list of challenge companions to spread the important message as far as possible. The leap year means there’s an extra day to run this year which I’m relishing.”

Simon is set to complete his 366-day challenge on New Year’s Eve – crossing the finish line in Centre Parcs, where he’ll be spending time with his family. He will also be hosting an end of challenge celebration and fundraiser at The Grand, Southampton, on Friday 17 January 2025 welcoming back his 300+ running partners.

Track his journey and donate to Simon’s #syrun365 Just Giving page, fundraising on Parkinson’s UK.