Steve O’Connor’s 48-County Marathon Challenge

Merseyside endurance runner, Army Cadets volunteer and military veteran, Steve O’Connor, is set to tackle a marathon in every one of England’s 48 ceremonial counties to raise funds for ACCT UK.

Steve will begin his two-year “48 High Points of England” challenge with the Derbyshire marathon on 18 April 2026. Each 26.2-mile route will include that county’s highest natural point. Over the entire project, Steve will achieve more than 1,258 miles and up to 100,000 ft of elevation gain.

Steve told us…

Those lessons have carried him through his military career, work, and the endurance challenges he takes on today.

Steve is a former member of the RAF and now an adult volunteer with Merseyside Army Cadet Force, supporting the next generation of young leaders.

Across 24 months, Steve will average two marathons a month, each one summiting the highest natural point in that county. His route will take in some of England’s most demanding and iconic locations, including:

Find out more on Steve’s Challenge 48 website.

Each stage will showcase a different side of England, from mountains and moorland to coastal ridges and city streets. Steve is inviting local residents, running clubs and cadet detachments to get involved by helping plan routes, running sections alongside him or providing support on the day.

By taking on this challenge, Steve wants to explore every county. Not just the landscapes, but the people who make these places special.

One of the most distinctive stages will be the City of London leg, officially confirmed for October 2026.

With the City’s natural high point near High Holborn, Steve has secured permission to begin by climbing the stairs of 22 Bishopsgate, the tallest building in the Square Mile. He will ascend the skyscraper’s stairwell to the top, descend back to street level and then immediately set off on a full 26.2-mile marathon within the historic City of London boundary.

The “ground-to-sky” format will make this one of the standout legs of the entire challenge.

Every mile Steve runs will raise money for ACCT UK, helping young people in the Army Cadets develop confidence, leadership and resilience through adventure and community activity.

As both a veteran and an adult volunteer, Steve chooses to support ACCT UK because he believes that the cadet experience develops qualities like resilience and determination. He chooses to help support this kind of growth for young people.

All funds raised will go directly to ACCT UK’s work providing opportunities, grants and life-changing experiences for cadets across the UK.

The 48 High Points of England project builds on Steve’s established record of fundraising for ACCT UK.

In 2025, he completed Ultra X Nevada, a brutal 220km 5-day endurance race across one of the toughest desert landscapes on Earth, in support of the charity. The event, held in the Mojave Desert near Las Vegas, sees runners tackle extreme distances, heat and elevation.

Clara, ACCT UK’s Fundraising and Corporate Engagement Manager, said:

Steve hopes the spirit of the Army Cadets will shine through every stage of the challenge.

He is encouraging supporters to:

Follow Steve’s training and progress and donate here.