The year 2007 has proved to be a major turning point in Glyn’s sporting career. Following what should have been routine knee surgery, Glyn was told his running days were over. He takes up the story.

I first noticed that there was a 'niggling' problem with my right knee during the seven day treadmill world record in Birmingham (June 2004 ), I had to wear a knee support for the last three days of the challenge- my knee was badly swollen but I had to see out my commitment to the charity I was supporting on the event (Rainbow House Appeal).

Following that, I began having problems during training for events such as  The Grand Union Canal Race and the  Spartathlon

The schedule of training hard, then (when the swelling appeared) easing back on the mileage to rest the aching limb started to cause worry. Yes I should have got medical advice sooner rather than later but when you are an ultra distance runner, pain is all part of the territory. Ultra athletes are used to feeling pain on most races, but know that they have to ignore it to a point if they want to reach the finish line. 

I began to get more frequent swelling after endurance running but didn’t want to break a commitment, so stupidly I ignored my body and carried on.

I was actually told that my running was over on Tuesday the 6th of March 2007. 

I had collapsed at work, my right knee just 'gave way' sending me crashing to the ground. I was taken to A & E at North Staffordshire Hospital, they diagnosed a torn cartilage and made an appointment for me to see a surgeon to get the cartilage repaired.

After waiting a few weeks, I went back to the hospital as a day patient, and got taken into theatre for the keyhole operation. Unfortunately for me the surgeon discovered some serious damage to the knee during the operation and when I came round, he  told me that I had worn away part of my bones of the knee and continuing to run would see me in a wheelchair. I was told that I was in need of a complete right knee replacement.

Obviously I was gutted, my life has been running. As the news got around, I began to receive dozens of messages from the public, charities I had supported I the past, celebrities and the press as well as those closest to me, all of which helped to inspire me to try something new.  

Being an active person, then just stopping the strict training regime that I once had was very difficult for me to cope with.

Boy was I itching to get my running kit on for 'one more run', but those nearest and dearest to me were constantly reminding me that my health was on the line if I disobeyed doctor's orders.

My right leg was constantly giving way without warning, I was falling down the stairs about 6 times a week (and sometimes falling up the stairs too). 

I went back to the hospital to see the surgeon for what I thought would be to set a date for the knee replacement operation but instead I was told that I was too young to have the operation (as the new knee would only last about 12 years) so I must live with the pain until it were decided that I would be in desperate need for the surgery (whenever that may be).

However I did seek a second opinion  and the surgeon was adamant that I could not carry on with the knee as it was. He also told me that I have 'RAPID PROGRESSIVE ARTHRITIS' in the limb too.

By the time I sought the second opinion I had already begun looking for an alternative to running

Cycling was out (obviously), and although I enjoy swimming, I could not envisage the compositeness in the water as I did on land.

I needed the thrill of a marathon, the shout of a cheering crowd as you approach the finish line of a 26 mile race.

My new partner (Karen), was wondering what a person in my situation could do. I am not registered disabled, but as far as running goes I was (in a way) disabled from competing.

So what if I could still compete in marathons as a wheelchair athlete ? The main issue at this stage was both Karen and I were concerned about the logistics and legality of me racing in a wheelchair.

I got in touch with the 'British Wheelchair Racing Association' (BWRA), to ask if I was eligible to be considered as a wheelchair athlete. I was surprised to receive a phone call from the Chairman of BWRA to tell me that I was more than welcome as a wheelchair athlete but more surprised when I realised that the chairman was Tanni's husband (Dr. Ian Grey-Thompson).

Both Tanni and her husband, gave me much needed advise and helped me to ensure that I bought the correct racing wheelchair that was right for me.

All the information I needed was at the end of a phone call or through an email. Tanni and Dr. Ian Grey-Thompson were so instrumental in making sure that I started correctly plus all advice is available on the BRWA website.

Then  I got a call one day from Dr Ian Grey-Thompson about a wheelchair athlete that was selling a racing wheelchair that was ideal for a man of my size and weight, this man (Mr Chris Hallam) was selling an unused wheelchair at a fraction of what it would cost in the shops-in fact if I hesitated the wheelchair would be sold by the weekend.

I went along (with Karen )to see the wheelchair ,and I fell in love it straight away-after sitting in it and getting the feel for it, I bought it there and then.

Chris Hallam then told me that he, as a wheelchair athlete ,was excited to hear that Glyn Marston was now a wheelchair athlete, and if I was to get the same publicity for the sport of wheelchair athletics as I did for ultra distance running, then I would be an asset for the cause. 

This delighted me, as it made me realize I had the support of my new peers.

I am now a member of the ' British Wheelchair Racing Association '(BWRA), which has top wheelchair athlete 'Tanni Grey-Thompson' behind it, the association does (and has in the past) accepted able bodied people as members, for they do not discriminate against anyone in whatever situation they may find themselves.

I am still sponsored by Asics for kit, though I am working out what I need to wear while racing on three wheels, it is so different from running in discipline and attire.

My new training regime is now weight training, not body building though, just strengthening my upper body, swimming helps too.

Technique is difficult, as you know ,you can be at your fittest but your not at your best if your technique is wrong and getting my technique right as I power the wheelchair is a little more difficult than I expected but I am getting there-getting better with each training session.

My first race as a wheelchair athlete is the ' Wolverhampton Half Marathon' on Sunday the 2nd of September 2007.

I did want to take on the full marathon distance, but the race organizers  informed me that the second half of the event will have parts of the course that are unsuitable for wheelchairs, so the half marathon it will be.

Local media are making such a huge story of this, and the organizers seem to be  delighted that 'Glyn Marston' choosing their event as his first in a wheelchair.

I can't wait for the day, and when I cross the finish line for the first time in my chariot.

I will always be an Ultra runner at heart, I will be there at top ultra events to cheer on my associates, or to help marshal at the events.

My advice, as always will be on offer to anyone who needs it. As I cannot run anymore I would find it difficult to go on a training session with anyone but would be happy to sit on the side lines of a running track to help with training and improving a runner of any ability.

I have been asked by a few runners if I would help with supporting them on the 2008, 145 mile Grand union canal race (from Birmingham to London), these folks feel that if they are to be successful on the event, they need a man of my experience to be behind them all the way.

Honoured by their confidence in me, I have accepted.

Liam is the topmost thought in my mind at the moment, I did introduce him to the Sneyd striders running club a few years ago ,whereas he ran with some of the most experienced runners there, but unfortunately (and due to unforeseen circumstances), Liam is too young to run  without a parent or Guardian running with him.

As I cannot run with him, he is having his training at a running track, with either his sister (Louise), or Leigh (Karen's son) training with him.

My future plans for my new discipline as a Wheelchair athlete, is to bring the joys of ultra distance events to the Wheelchair racer.

I feel that Sport is for all and that should include those who wish to race 'Beyond the marathon', including wheelchairs.