A 71-year-old hotelier is attempting his second world record as he prepares to run 50k on a treadmill.

Neil Kirby is the owner of Langham Hotel in Eastbourne. Twenty months ago he broke the world record for running the fastest marathon (42km) on a treadmill, in the over 70s age category. Despite turning 72 next month and undergoing surgery for a triple hernia last year – caused by “lifting thousands of suitcases and barrels of beer” –, he is now attempting to break the world record for 50km on a treadmill in the same age group.

In his 43 years of running, Neil has raised £385,000 for charity and completed 51 marathons. Last year he was invited to Buckingham Palace in recognition of his fundraising efforts.

So far, he has raised £4,000 for Race Against Dementia, a charity set up by racing driver and Neil’s “amazing” former hotel guest Sir Jackie Stewart. Sir Stewart frequented the hotel for 28 years when Neil was general manager at Park Lane Hotel.

Having worked in hospitality for 57 years, Neil started his career as a teenager, working as a pot washer at the Park Lane Hotel. He rose through the ranks to become general manager at the hotel and went on to hold the same position at several others including Grosvenor House, The Royal Horseguards Hotel, Berystede, Pennyhill Park and South Lodge.

“Not bad for a boy who grew up on a council estate in Southeast London”, said Neil.

In his time, Neil has looked after a number of famous clients including Margaret, Duchess of Argyll, Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. 

His career saw him working on a daily basis with royalty, Hollywood film stars, sporting heroes, leading politicians, international celebrities and and show business legends, including the likes of Marlene Dietrich, Natalie Wood, Tony Curtis, Sean Connery, Julie Andrews, Lauren Bacall, Yul Brynner and Dame Margot Fonteyn

Nineteen years ago, he bought Langham hotel, where he lives and still works “90 hours a week”, with his wife .

He will be running on a treadmill outside the hotel, looking out to sea, on Saturday and is inviting others to join him for stretches by running on the two treadmills which will be set up alongside him.  

Neil will be filmed throughout and watched by two adjudicators. He has also worked as “a guinea pig” with students from Brighton University who have run tests to help work out pacing.