Pensioner to celebrate completing 100 marathons

Steve Bassam

Steve Bassam, 65, will get by with help from his friends to cross the finish line of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon.

Steve was given the devastating news 16 years ago that his rheumatoid arthritis had become so severe that his doctor told him to prepare for life in a wheelchair – a terrifying prospect for the formerly fit and active 49-year-old. By 2004, Steve’s condition had, remarkably, gone into remission – which is when he discovered running.

Initially, running was tough for Steve and he had to put in a lot of work to regain the levels of fitness he had once known. However, he ran his first 5k in 2005 and his first marathon two years later. Now, at the age of 65, Steve will participate in his 100^th marathon at the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in April.

Steve said: “I became driven by the ambition to run 100 marathons. I have chosen Manchester to be my 100^th as it is my local marathon, and will be supported by many of my friends from Middleton Harriers Running Club.”

8 April will be a very emotional day for Steve, as the man who once thought he might not walk again crosses the finish line.