Miles of Smiles – How Sport Aberdeen is helping a local Dad turn heartbreak into hope

“The amazing facilities Sport Aberdeen provides has made such a difference.”

Sport Aberdeen member Marius Coste, the man behind the inspirational Miles of Smiles fundraising campaign, talks about his journey so far as he approaches the half-way point in his endurance challenge.

Miles of Smiles is an 82-week charity campaign that began in June 2025 and continues until December 2026. Every week, Marius commits to 50km of running, walking, or cycling, paired with cold-water plunges, a personal challenge that has grown into a movement for awareness, resilience, and community connection.

Raising funds for two Scottish charities, SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and Clan Cancer Support, this campaign builds on a previous viral challenge in 2021, when Marius ran nearly 3,000 km in 52 weeks, raising over £7,000 for SAMH, all while dressed in costumes and colourful characters to bring joy to the community.

Helping him work towards his goal for the past eight months has been our gym at Get Active @ Sheddocksley where Marius can be found from 6am either strength training, indoor cycling or Norwegian-style running. The mix of cardio focused workouts combined with strength-based training helps improve longevity markers and reduce all-cause mortality – meaning his miles are not just about charity, but about sustaining the physical and mental capacity to keep giving back.

Our dedicated indoor cycling facilities allow Marius to clock up the miles, particularly on cold or stormy mornings when running outside hasn’t been feasible over the winter months.

Being a member of Sport Aberdeen has been more than just convenient, it’s been transformative.

As an organisation dedicated to championing active lifestyles and creating opportunities that support health, wellbeing and inclusion, we are immensely proud to be playing a part in Marius’s charity campaign.

“At Sport Aberdeen, we believe that being active is about more than sport, it’s also about connection and community and Marius’s journey truly reflects our values in action,” said Mark Wallace, our Health, Fitness & Retention Manager.

“We are delighted to be Marius and his families’ leisure provider of choice in Aberdeen, and we admire his ongoing efforts to drive positive change.”

Marius and his family also use several of our 31 venues across the city for playing badminton and regularly book our courts at Get Active @ Jesmond and Get Active @ Peterculter to prepare for the upcoming SAMH Dodgeball Tournament in May. The facilities have become a hub where his mission meets physical health, mental wellbeing, and family time.

“Both Miles of Smiles and Sport Aberdeen share the values of moving, connecting, and improving mental and physical health. They’re about showing up for yourself and for your community.

“The amazing facilities Sport Aberdeen provides has made such a difference in helping me raise awareness for mental health, grief, and community connection.

“It’s been incredible to have access to venues for cycling, strength training, and family activities.”

Marius is a husband, father, and facilities Group Manager at Elior UK. But behind the costumes, from Superman and unicorns to Minions and Pokémon, is a story of heartbreak and hope.

In 2020, Marius and his wife suffered three consecutive miscarriages. The pain was silent and profound. Running became therapy. Costumes became conversation starters, tools to break stigma, spark smiles, and open dialogue about grief, mental health, and the importance of emotional wellbeing.

After losing his grandfather in January 2026, Marius ran through Aberdeen and Glasgow in a giant heart costume, carrying grief and love mile by mile. He says, “Grief doesn’t disappear. It moves with you.”

And thanks to Sport Aberdeen, he can show up stronger than ever, physically and mentally, while encouraging others to do the same.

The latest Miles of Smiles campaign figures show Marius has completed over 2,540kms of running, walking or cycling, raising almost £3,000 so far. He’s also endured 194 cold showers and 44 ice baths.

To cheer on Marius, donate, or follow his progress:

• SAMH: https://www.justgiving.com/page/frompaintopurpose
• Clan Cancer Support: https://www.justgiving.com/page/hopeovercancer

 Follow the journey:

• Facebook/LinkedIn: Marius Coste
• Twitter/X: @SmilesRunner
• Instagram: @milesofsmilesrun
• TikTok: @smilesrunner