Stephen Runs Yorkshire 10 Mile After Double Knee Replacement

A keen runner, Stephen was part of the Kirkintilloch Olympians running club, and has run 10 marathons over the years, as well as an ultramarathon in 2015. 

However, it was while training for his second ultramarathon in 2017 that he injured his knee. Although he initially rested, every time he tried to run, the pain was too severe, and he had to stop running all together.

Stephen not only loved running for its physical benefits, but also the sense of community and connection it provided. Losing that part of his routine left him feeling down and disconnected.

After going to the GP, he had multiple X-rays and scans, and Stephen was diagnosed with arthritis in his right knee. The surgeon explained that he would need at least a partial replacement, and was told that, due to the extent of the arthritis, he would not be able to run again.

"This news was devastating at the time, and took many months to get my head around."

COVID ended up delaying his operation for four years, leaving Stephen in limbo. During this time, he began to experience pain in his left knee, which was again diagnosed as arthritis, for which he would require a partial replacement.

In September of 2022, Stephen eventually had two partial knee replacements.

"After the recovery period, my knees felt stronger, and I started to walk normally again. I started to think that I could even try and run 1 mile to prove to myself that running was a possibility."

After managing to run a 5K this year, Stephen decided to enter the Yorkshire 10 Mile race when being inspired by his son-in-law registering for the marathon. He is now determined to complete the race four weeks after his 60th birthday.

"This has been an emotional and difficult period in my life, but I feel this is the start of my new running journey."

Stephen hopes that, by competing in the race, and sharing his story, it will give others experiencing similar issues the hope and inspiration to power through their struggles.