North East runner who has not missed a day for 20 years takes on new challenge

Paul Smith has ran every day for 20 years and is now taking on a new challenge

Runner Paul Smith, who has taken to the roads every day for 20 years – and is committed to raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK(Image: Handouts)

The well-known County Durham runner known as the “Lord of the Streak” is turning his efforts towards fundraising for a leading prostate cancer charity as 2026 begins. Easington’s Paul Smith – who has been for a jog at least once every day for 20 straight years – is to take on the challenge of running a marathon’s distance for Prostate Cancer UK this January.

Paul will be wearing the charity’s special “man of men” badge and highlighting its work as he looks to “run the month”. The charity hopes the work of those like Paul will help support its work including ground-breaking prostate screening trial called TRANSFORM.

This comes just months after health bosses turned down requests to launch a comprehensive screening programme for the disease. Advisers to the Government – part of the UK National Screening Committee – published a draft recommendation not to roll out routine screening, saying this would be “likely to cause more harm than good”.

Intrepid athlete Paul said he had been inspired by daily running legend Dr Ron Hill. He said: “Some people knit every day, others do jigsaws, I like to run. My hero was Dr Ron Hill, who I would later become good friends with and regularly run with.

“He completed a 52-year 19,032 run streak so I have a fair way to go. Ron died in 2021 and I miss him greatly. Hopefully he lives on in my running.”

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The latest effort marks another fundraising effort from Paul, who is a frequent face at charity events – often in full costume – and runs around the North East. He has been an active member at Crook Athletic Club since 1990, where he coaches juniors, too.

He said:“I have decided to take on Run the Month: Marathon Edition for Prostate Cancer UK because it’s a wonderful cause for a brilliant charity.

Runner Paul Smith, who has taken to the roads every day for 20 years – and is committed to raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK(Image: Handouts)

“Over the years I’ve got to know plenty of people affected by this disease, and have run alongside a few too. Prostate cancer affects so many men, but also their families and networks as well. If I can raise awareness throughout January and get men to understand their risk of prostate cancer then I’ll be happy with that.

“The stats about the disease are shocking, but this is a disease that is curable if caught early. So, I’d advise men to check the Prostate Cancer UK risk checker which will give them that piece of mind.

“My advice to those taking part? Don’t overthink it. Take each run as it comes and enjoy yourself. There’s no better feeling, and knowing you will be doing a great thing when taking on the challenge is even better.”

Chris Jarrett, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Thanks a million! Run the Month: Marathon Edition remains one of our most popular challenges, so 2026 will kick off with a bang as our brilliant supporters lace up their trainers once more.

“We believe no man should die of prostate cancer, a disease which is curable if found early, but prostate cancer is also the only major cancer without a comprehensive screening programme. With every step taken, our runners and the money they raise will make a huge difference to everyone affected by this disease.