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Cumbria’s Marathon Man Finishes Grand To Grand Ultra In Bill Arnott’s Memory

By Rachael Grealish
Gary McKee a white man with grey hair and a short beard, wearing a white t shirt, pointing his finger in the air with the words 'for Bill' written on his extended arm.
Gary McKee dedicating his penultimate run to Bill Arnott. Credit: Gary McKee

Cumbria’s Marathon Man has finished the final Grand To Grand stage in memory of his late friend and supporter, Bill Arnott.

Gary McKee has finished the sixth, and final, stage of the gruelling 171-mile Grand To Grand Ultra which takes runners from the Grand Canyon, in Arizona on September 24, and finishes at the Grand Staircase, in Utah, on September 30.

The 52-year-old marathon runner is taking on the incredible task to raise money for Hospice at Home West Cumbria, but he has dedicated his last run to the late Bill Arnott.

Bill passed away in August and was someone Gary called a ‘larger-than-life character who was integral to the success of the challenge’.

Following his death, Gary posted a heartfelt tribute to his friend where he said he’d be forever ‘indebted’ to him and would never forget his kindness.

Gary wrote: “Bill was a larger-than-life character who was integral to the success of the challenge. He was there from the start, providing tea/coffee and cake, hot water bottles, fresh towels and a smile wider than the ocean.

“He was one of only a handful of people who saw me at my lowest point having to struggle and deal with hamstring tendonitis and his words of wisdom were what got me through. Bill I’ll be forever indebted to you my friend and shall never forget your kindness.”

Gary has now finished the incredible 171-mile journey and has brave temperatures above 30C and below 8C.

For anyone wanting to show their support and sponsor Gary please visit his JustGiving page https://bit.ly/3KvCdoK