A man from North Shields is set to run 470 laps of St James' Park in memory of his Newcastle United obsessed dad. Charles McManus is aiming to cover over 200 miles in just 48 hours, raising funds for St Oswald's Hospice, which cared for his father David before he passed away in 2017.
Previous challenges
This is not the 20-year-old's first long-distance challenge. In September 2024, he completed a 'Metro Marathon', running 77.6 miles across the entire Tyne and Wear Metro network. In October 2025, he undertook a 120-mile coast to coast run from Whitehaven to Tynemouth.
Now he is taking on his toughest challenge yet, with a poignant meaning behind it. The looped route, of which 470 laps equate to roughly 204 miles, allows Charles to be right next to a place that is very special to the family.
Why 470 laps?
He said: "My dad was a massive Newcastle fan, as am I, and it's the same for most of our family, we have a really big affiliation with the club and always have. I went and had a look to see how long the loop would be, around 700 metres, and found that over 400 laps would be 200 miles, so I made it 470 laps, as my dad was 47 when he died.
"I thought doing something in the middle of town would be great for getting some eyes on it too, so it is the perfect location in my opinion. The weather will hopefully be reliable, and I feel quite ready for it, despite it being the longest distance that I have done so far.
"Over the last week or so I have been worried about stuff, but I know I can trust my body with what I have done before, and I'm looking forward to getting going. Anyone who wants to join me for some of the run is more than welcome, and if you would like to donate to the page, I'd really appreciate it."
Dad's influence
On what his dad taught him, Charles added: "Even though my dad died when I was 10, he had a massive impact on my mentality, as he was always so no-nonsense and determined to drive himself forward. Since I am now an adult myself, it has kicked in and I feel like that is an important thing I have taken from him.
"If I can use a skill that I have to raise money for a really worthy cause, then I will keep doing that, and I know that my dad would be really proud. He taught me how to persevere through pain, as he was in so much but he always kept going, which I have always admired him for."
Charles will begin the challenge tomorrow, Friday, August 28, at around midday, and hopes to be finished by the same time on Sunday, August 30. All proceeds from donations will go to St Oswald's Hospice.
