Marathon man, 85, eyes 200-mile challenge in USA

Ray Matthews, an 85-year-old marathon runner from Rotherham, is determined to participate in the Bigfoot 200 ultra-marathon in the USA next year. This grueling 200-mile (322km) race will take him through Washington State's Cascade Mountains. Despite his age, Matthews maintains his passion for running, having previously marked his 75th birthday by completing a 124-mile (200km) run in the Sahara over 75 days.

His wife, Maureen, discovered a social media campaign for an insurance company seeking individuals over 70 with impressive fitness, energy, and determination. After submitting a video of himself on a treadmill, Matthews was invited to appear in a television commercial. The experience, while unusual for a Yorkshireman, proved to be lucrative.

Matthews has been actively involved in fundraising for Age UK Rotherham and Newman School, a local institution supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities. He emphasizes the importance of daily movement, stating that "if you don't move, you lose it." Matthews is now concentrating on his upcoming training, preparing for the Bigfoot 200, which he considers "the icing on the cake" following the lead-up and rigorous training phase.