RUNNING one marathon is enough of a challenge for many people – but how about 200?

Michael Smith, 54, was handed a cup to mark his achievement by his running club, the Weymouth St Paul’s Harriers.

He completed his 200th marathon – together totalling an incredible 5,243.8 miles, not including training runs – at the Bad Cow Marathon in Poole.

Fellow runners from the Harriers completed the Round the Rock 10k on Portland before heading over to Poole to cheer Michael on as he finished the marathon.

He is thought to be the only person in Dorset who has completed 200 marathons, which took 20 years.

Some of his more memorable runs over the years include the Boston Marathon in 2013 when bombs exploded at the finish line.

He has completed the London Marathon 10 times, where he met Paula Radcliffe, as well as runs in South Africa, Chicago and New York.

But one of his favourite running spots is right here in Dorset.

Michael, a bus driver, said: “There are so many events right here to get involved in, and the scenery is great. In April I did an endurance race called the Jurassic Beast which is 46 miles from Portland Bill lighthouse to Old Harry Rocks. 

“Then there’s also the coastal marathon challenge which is three marathons over three days, starting at Lyme Regis car park and ending at Studland Beach.”

Despite the achievement, Michael isn’t hanging up his running shoes just yet.

“One run I haven’t done is the original route from Marathon to Athens. 

“It’s where it all started, so it would be great to do that.”

He also has some words of advice for new runners, or anyone who wants to take up the sport.

“Join a club. I joined the Harriers when I started out and still run with them. 

“They are so friendly, you can meet different people and learn more about running than you would from a book.”

Find out more about the Weymouth St Pauls Harriers on their website at www.wsphandac.co.uk