Steve and friends kitted out in walking gear ready to go

Can you introduce yourself?

Dr Steve Ward-Smith, I work for a scientific instrument company, looking after large customers and have been working there for 30 years.

I’ve been running for three years now, I had started stationary bike classes during lockdown and running seemed next step, especially as many of my closest work friends were keen runners.

Can you describe the race and how you found it?

Escape from Meriden was mentioned to me by a colleague who is an experienced runner as something with a legendary status. This year is its 10th anniversary. It has a prison break theme, you start in Meriden near Coventry / Birmingham Airport (there is a cross marking the geographical centre of the UK) and need to go as far as you can in up to 24 hours. Medals are given for distances as the crow flies, silver for 30, gold for 60 and black for 90. I ran with two colleagues from work. We planned to go as far south as we could, by late morning we were in Towcester with a silver medal and as all our feet were a bit shredded, called it a day there. See the image of our Strava route!

What surprised you?

It is lighter in the wee small hours of the morning than you think! We had a lot of lovely support from the public, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit probably helped!

What helps to motivate you?

I have a great group of like-minded friends who are wonderful running partners and keep me grounded, as I have a tendency to get carried away and enter crazy challenges (often them dragging them with me, like being blindfolded and dropped in an industrial estate having to make it back to the start with no phone or GPS).

Would you recommend the race to others?

Yes, but it sells out in less than a minute (2025 edition is full) so mark your diary for 21st November at noon! I go again with the same colleagues as last time and possibly another friend, on 14th November. I plan to head back home to Worcester (30 miles as Crow flies) and maybe onto Monmouth (60 miles).

Steve's STRAVA route to Towcester
The group walking at night

What’s next for you?

I’ll be spending a lot of time starting to chase my World Majors Stars. It begins with Tokyo in March, continuing with London (where I hope to meet many of my fellow VICTA runners), then Chicago and NYC in the autumn. I will also be running Meriden again in November.

Congratulations to Steve on his daring escape and wishing you all the best of luck in completing your World Majors! If you would like any help with your fundraising for VICTA or have a story to share, drop us an email at fundraising@victa.org.uk.