A father-of-three who completed 365 marathons in as many days has said it was a “real surprise” to be appointed an MBE for services to charity and the Cleator Moor community.
Gary McKee, from Cleator Moor, near Whitehaven, ran 100 marathons in 100 days in 2026, culminating in the London Marathon and helping him to raise more than £1.3m for charity.
“To receive the award from Prince William at Windsor Castle is something I never imagined would happen,” the nuclear plant worker said, after the ceremony on Wednesday.
“Fundraising has always been about making a difference and supporting causes that mean a lot to me, and so many others, so being recognised in this way is very humbling.”
Mckee said sharing the occasion with his family “made the day even more special”.
“Sue, my wife, Alfie, Beau and Minnie, my children, have been there every step of the way – supporting the fundraising challenges, putting up with the early mornings and the miles, and encouraging me throughout.
“This recognition belongs to them just as much as it does to me.”
He said he was “proud” to have represented West Cumbria and hoped the MBE would help “shine a light on the incredible generosity, community spirit and kindness that exists back home”.
In April, Mr McKee told the Press Association that he has clocked more than 33,000 miles (53,108km) on his Strava profile – more than the circumference of the Earth, which is 24,900 miles (40,072 km) .
He said this was despite not using the app “for that many years”.
“You could probably double that for the things I’ve done – so it’s a long way.
“I’m on my second lap of running around the Earth!”
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