My Unforgettable Abbott Six Star Journey: Finishing the World's Six Major Marathons

Join me as I recount my incredible journey to earning the coveted Abbott Six Star Medal, having completed the six World Major Marathons. From Chicago in 2018 to Boston in 2023, each race brought its own unique challenges and unforgettable experiences.

The Abbott Six Star Finisher Medal is a prestigious award given to runners who successfully complete all six of the World Marathon Majors. The World Marathon Majors consist of six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world:

1. Tokyo Marathon (Tokyo, Japan)
2. Boston Marathon (Boston, Massachusetts, USA)
3. London Marathon (London, UK)
4. Berlin Marathon (Berlin, Germany)
5. Chicago Marathon (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
6. New York City Marathon (New York City, New York, USA)

The Abbott World Marathon Majors series aims to celebrate the achievements of runners who complete these iconic races, which often represent the pinnacle of marathon running for both elite athletes and everyday runners alike. For anyone trying to earn the Abbott Six Star Medal, it is a remarkable accomplishment that requires significant dedication, perseverance, and a passion for running.

1. The Beginning: Chicago Marathon Oct 2018

The journey kicked off in the Windy City, where I embraced the challenge of the Chicago Marathon along with 40,000 runners, including world-class elite runners, from more than 100 countries. Renowned for its flat and fast course, the race took me through diverse neighborhoods and introduced me to the amazing camaraderie within the running community. Although we had rain and high humidity, this marathon was my personal best clocking at 4:18:38

2. European Adventure: Berlin Marathon Sep 2019

Next up was the Berlin Marathon, famous for its world-record-breaking course. Running through historic streets and passing iconic landmarks, I was awed by the city's rich history and vibrant energy. The cheering crowds and fellow runners motivated me to push my limits. Marathon weather is always unpredictable, but two times in a row, it rained again in Berlin. This time around, I was better prepared for the rain by wearing a hat and contacts, given my Chicago experience, and clocked 4:25:58

3. Royally Inspired: London Marathon October 2022

I secured a spot for the Tokyo Marathon in March 2020 but had to defer due to Covid. The London Marathon, known for its iconic route and vibrant atmosphere, was a race like no other. From the starting line at Greenwich to the finish at Buckingham Palace, I marveled at the city's landmarks while soaking up the infectious energy of supporters lining the course. Third time in a row, there was a high chance of rain, but the weather gods decided otherwise. It got a little warmer for the runners at the end, but overall, I enjoyed the run and clocked 4:38:05

4. The City That Never Sleeps: New York Marathon November 2022

The New York City Marathon proved to be a challenging and inspiring experience, given it was back-to-back with 4 weeks of recovery from the London marathon. I had a blister on my foot during the London marathon for wearing Nike Alphafly shoes and had to switch to Nike Vaporfly 2 for New York. As I crossed the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and journeyed through the five boroughs, I was moved by the determination and resilience of the city and its inhabitants. No rain this time around, but it proved to be the hottest marathon I ran, and elevation changes with multiple bridges did not help either. What I felt at mile 20 in London is how I felt at mile 8 in New York. This proved to be my longest marathon time clocking at 5:08:58, and in the end, pushed through the finish line and appreciated the challenging course.

5. Land of the Rising Sun: Tokyo Marathon March 2023

My journey continued with the Tokyo Marathon, an unforgettable cultural experience. The beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, combined with the warmth and support of the Japanese people, made this race an exceptional highlight of my Abbott Six Star quest. Even though I only had one day before the race day, I managed to take a bullet train and take a quick peak at Mount Fuji from Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka. On the way back visited Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Skytree, which stands tall at 634 meters. I missed out on the Guinness world record title for the most people to earn six star medal at a single marathon since I still had to finish Boston. For Tokyo marathon weather was great, and I enjoyed the run clocking in at 4:43:30

6. The Grand Finale: Boston Marathon April 2023

I am way too slow to qualify for Boston Marathon at my running pace and went in as a Charity runner by raising funds for MEB Foundation. The historic and prestigious Boston Marathon marked the end of my incredible journey having five weeks of recovery from the Tokyo marathon. From tackling the challenging Newton hills to the triumphant finish on Boylston Street, the experience was a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and community support. I finished the first half of Boston, which is mostly downhill, in 02:09:07 but struggled with Newton Hills along with Heartbreak Hill while managing to finish the marathon at 04:38:52.

Each of the six World Major Marathons offered unique experiences and challenges that have contributed to my personal growth and enriched my life. I am grateful for the people I've met, supportive colleagues, the places I've seen, and the memories I've made along this unforgettable journey. The Abbott Six Star Medal represents not only the physical and mental challenges to overcome but also the connections made and the lives touched through charitable efforts such as NYRR Team for Kids, Plan International, and MEB Foundation. There is still time to donate to MEB foundation using this link

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