A serving Royal Navy sailor has completed the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in memory of his late father, a former Royal Marine, who shared his passion for running.
Leading Hand Chef Ben Radford, based at RMB Chivenor, took on the 26.2-mile challenge on 13 October. It was his first marathon, and he finished with an impressive time of 4 hours and 31 minutes. The race was not only a personal challenge but also a way for Ben to honour his father, Steve Matthews, who served as a Royal Marine. Steve passed away on 1 May 2022, after a battle with cancer. The date marked exactly six years to the day since Ben joined the Royal Navy.
A shared love of running was a bond between father and son. The two had regularly competed in races together and Ben learned after his father’s death that Steve had intended to run the Chicago Marathon himself before his illness prevented him from doing so. Determined to fulfil his father’s dream, Ben decided to run in his place.
"My dad was always a huge inspiration to me, " said Ben. "He’d planned to run the Chicago Marathon, so when I crossed that finish line, I felt like I was doing it for both of us."
In addition to taking on the marathon as a personal tribute, Ben used the opportunity to raise funds for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC). The RNRMC is the leading charity supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families, offering a vital lifeline for those who have served. Ben, who follows in his father's footsteps in the Royal Navy, said:
“The RNRMC provides incredible support to sailors, marines, and their families, and I wanted to give something back. My dad served in the Falklands conflict and was part of both 40 and 42 Commando. Now, as part of the Royal Navy, I know how important this charity is to the whole naval community and I’m proud to support it.”
Ben Radford
Ben’s marathon journey is a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between family, service, and sacrifice—and a heartfelt tribute to a father whose memory continues to inspire.
For further information or to support Ben's fundraising for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, visit Ben Radford is fundraising for Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (justgiving.com).
