Behind the Superman costume is Marius Coste, a leader with Elior at Work, where he helps deliver workplace services across the North-east of Scotland
Away from his day-to-day role, Marius is undertaking the Miles of Smiles challenge—an 82-week commitment to cover at least 50 kilometres every week while raising funds for SAMH and Clan Cancer Support and encouraging conversations around mental health and resilience
Weeks 56 and 57 of the challenge took him more than 5,000 miles from Aberdeen to Foshan, Guangdong, China. The journey included walking the Great Wall in a Superman costume, running through the parks and streets of Foshan, and taking on the city’s iconic TV Tower
The conditions proved to be the most demanding of the campaign to date, with temperatures reaching 35–38°C and humidity exceeding 80%. The only experience Marius says compares was continuing the challenge through an Aberdeen winter after losing his grandfather, running through deep snow while remaining committed to the promise he had made to never miss a week
The campaign has become about far more than costumes or kilometres. It is about demonstrating that resilience is built through consistency, determination and showing up even when circumstances are challenging
These are qualities that matter just as much in the workplace as they do in everyday life. Supporting wellbeing, encouraging open conversations around mental health and creating resilient teams are increasingly recognised as essential to building successful organisations and stronger communities
To date, the campaign has covered 3,701 kilometres, raised more than £11,000 for local causes, and inspired thousands of people through community events, schools, businesses and social media
From Aberdeen to China, the message has remained the same: small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference. Whether supporting a colleague, helping a local charity or simply choosing not to give up when faced with adversity, resilience has the power to inspire others and strengthen the communities in which we live and work
