ABOUT
STEVE
WOLFE
One man, one dream, one big challenge.
Run The World - all 40,075km of it
and without a day off!
Diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression, Steve Wolfe is looking to run at least 5km every day until he's hit the epic target and in the process raising awareness and vital funds for MIND.
THE WHO -
Steve always had a love of running, even from an early age, but like many of us, did little exercise in his 20s and 30s. A health scare in early 2014 saw Steve vow to turn his life around and it was running that helped him lose weight, gain confidence and begin what would be an epic journey.
Taking on the Brighton Marathon in April 2015, Steve fell in love with running once again, completing the 26.2 miles for the first time in his life and having met the inspirational Ben Smith (401 marathons in 401 days) and Ben Rogers (365 marathons in 365 days), he came up with his own challenge.
Starting out on 31st December 2016, Steve initially planned to run at least 5km a day for a year, but the goalposts soon moved and he's now run every day since!
THE WHY -
Despite running every day since 31st December 2016, Steve always lacked his why. Why was he running every day? It all became very clear in early 2021 after being diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Having been at a fatal road accident in late 2020, Steve was left with flashbacks, debilitating sleeplessness and bouts of anxiety and depression. Contracting Covid at Christmas just a month later, made things much worse and he's now vowed to use his experience to help others, supporting MIND along the way.
Speaking about his struggles, Steve admits he's found some days harder than others: "Getting out of bed has been a real struggle at times, let alone finding the enthusiasm to do day to day things, but running has proved to be a real therapy for me."
"I'm so grateful that I found running again in my forties and it's been a real life saver in so many ways. There have been days where I've questioned whether I have any real value, but running has got me through those dark days."
"I know some people will think I'm mad for trying to run the distance of the world, but why not?"
"I've met some really lovely and inspirational people through running, it takes me places I've never been before and I always feel good after a run, so it's a no brainer for me."
THE CHALLENGE -
Steve aims to complete running 40,075km (24,901 miles) inside ten years - all without a day off! That's 40,075km in 3652 days and averages out at just short of 11km every single day!
Having run with Covid in the garden to keep the run streak going (definitely not advised), Steve has shown he's got resilience in abundance and won't be deterred from completing the Run The World Challenge.
Three feet of snow, hurricane force winds, epic rain, 38 degree heat, a hernia in his left leg and ocular migraines are just some of the things sent to challenge Steve, but you will find him out in shorts and t-shirt (or vest) every day.
Speaking about the challenge, Steve explains what keeps him motivated and how he copes with all the challenging conditions.
"I don't feel the cold. At all. My mum is always telling me I make her feel cold, but I'm in my mid forties now and can just about make decisions for myself..."
"Running in the snow and sub zero temperatures makes me feel alive. I hate the heat - anything over about 20 degrees and I really struggle. You will hear me moaning from miles away about how hot I am!"
"I'd love to run every day without a day off for ten years. I know the further I go on, the harder that will be and I'm only ever a day away from a serious injury that will prevent me from running, but all the time I can, I will. If I do need to take a day off, the aim will then be to still complete the 40,075km inside ten years (if possible)."
"I'm passionate about supporting others with their mental health and if I can inspire just one other person along the way, then it's all been worthwhile."
THE SUPPORT -
How you can help!
Send messages of encouragement via Facebook or Twitter or we'd love you to donate to Steve's Just Giving Page in support of Mind.
For media enquiries or to arrange an interview, email steve@kentsportsnews.com.
