For almost 10years I’ve been thinking/dreaming about completing all of the World Marathon Majors (WMM). They’re such iconic races run through incredible
cities I was totally captivated by the majors. On 24th April 2016 I will complete my 6th and final WMM, the London Marathon. For London i’m proud to be raising funds for a charity, Changing Faces, which I have a connection with via a friend Louise & her inspirational daughter Stella. I’ll tell you more about in this subsequent blogs. To sponsor me for the London marathon please donate here.
So here’s a wrap of my WMM experiences;
New York City Marathon (2010)
An amazing city & an incredible race. Running through all 5 boroughs you really get a feel for all the elements that make up NYC.
Favourite part – Catching the ferry over to the start on Staten Is, with thousands of other runners, as the sun rose over the city.
Toughest part – The Bronx! That was where I hit the wall. Also waiting in Staten Is before the start in freezing windy conditions.
Lasting memories – The start running over Verrazano Narrows bridge to the sounds of Frank Sinatra’s ‘New York New York’.
Running into Harlem as you cross back onto Manhattan from the Bronx. The crowd went wild, the finish was getting closer as Central park came into view. Meeting the IMP runners & Rob de Castella in New York. Click here for my article on the IMP in NY.
My time 3:09
Berlin marathon (2011)
Super cool, creative & eclectic; Berlin blew me away. 
Favourite part – Seeing my mum on the sideline at about 35km. And running through the Brandenburg gate just before the finish line
Toughest part – Finishing. The body didn’t want to go any further but my senses could have kept going. Perfect weather, amazing crowds & history at every turn. My favourite kind of run.
Lasting memories – Being cheered on by some ladies of the night (or possibly men) just past Alexanderplatz as they made their way home after work. Talk about enthusiastic cheering, dancing* & high fives!
My time 3:02
Boston Marathon (2012) the 116th running of the Boston Marathon
The oldest continually run marathon in the world. Boston is the ultimate for marathon lovers.
Favourite part – The buzz from the crowd top of the newton hills & the hardest high 5 i’ve ever had from a very drunk Boston College student. And finishing!
Toughest part – The final 7km. 34deg heat & a late start time made for really tough running. 
I certainly paid the price for the early pace.
Lasting memories – So many… Travelling out to Hopkinton & then running through all the historic towns of Massachusetts with everyone out supporting. The Wellesley College girls & the scream tunnel!
My time 3:19
Chicago Marathon (2013)
Favourite part – Seeing family along the course & singing ‘Sweet home Chicago’ as we kept passing Illinois state troopers (& lots of other Blues Brothers references)
Toughest part – My Garmin watch freezing at the start line. Changing my plan to ‘run by feel’ & not getting too caught up in the pacing. And the last 3km!
Lasting memories – Finishing the race & meeting up with Bobbie, realising we both had run PB’s and being so happy for each other (& ourselves).
My time 2:53 PB
Tokyo Marathon (2014)
A truly international running city. The Japanese love marathoners! 
And the 2014 race medal is the best looking medal I’ve received.
Favourite part – Running through Ginza after seeing Bob for the 3rd time & feeling great (but cold)… as the sleet began to fall.
Toughest part – The final 3km over to Ariake as the crowds thinned, the atmosphere disappeared & the fatigue set in. Hanging on for a sub 3hr.
Lasting memories – Gunbatte! (loosely translated to ‘go with courage’). Running past the Imperial palace. And so many runners dressed up for the event. It’s a real party atmosphere in Tokyo.
My time 2:57 To read more about my Tokyo adventure click here
London Marathon (2016)…
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