To celebrate passing 20,000 Six Star Finishers, we meet 20 members of the community from around the world
Alfredo Barragan
From: Mexico, now living in Shrewsbury, USA
Began: 2017
Completed: 2024
Most memorable moment from your journey?
If I had to choose one defining moment in my running journey, it would be crossing the finish line at the 2018 BMW Berlin Marathon. That day, I earned my first Boston Qualifier and fulfilled a dream I shared with my greatest inspiration: my father. My running story began with the 2017 New York City Marathon, where I ran for UNICEF to honor the birth of my son. Boston seemed out of reach then, but my dad believed in me. He made me promise to try one more marathon. I chose Berlin, and thanks to his unwavering support, I made it.
He encouraged me to aim even higher, to see our shared name on the Wall of Fame of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. He was at every race, cheering me on. But in 2022, everything changed. A tragic car accident took him from me, and I lost all motivation to run. Then, one night, I dreamt of him – so vivid, so real. It was the push I needed. In 2024, I ran Tokyo and London, completing my six stars. This journey is about more than medals. It’s about love, loss, and the strength to keep going – even when the light feels lost.
Favourite Race: Tokyo, without a doubt. That race was more than just a marathon, it marked my return to long-distance running after nearly two years away. Though my father wasn’t there physically, I felt his presence stronger than ever. From the first stride, it was like he was right beside me. His voice, his encouragement, his belief in me - all of it carried me forward. Mid-race, I cried, but it wasn’t from pain. It was pure emotion. I didn’t care about pace; I just ran with my heart. Tokyo became a day of healing and remembrance. A reminder of why I run and how love can still lead the way.
What’s next? Keep moving, keep running, keep living. That’s the mantra I carry with me every day. After completing the Majors, the fire hasn’t dimmed, it’s only grown stronger. I’m hoping to earn a spot in the Sydney Marathon in 2026.
Andres Mora
From: Ulloa / Heredia / Costa Rica
Started: 2021
Completed: 2025
Most memorable moment from your journey?
Crossing the finish line in Tokyo and earning my Six Star medal was unforgettable, but the real story is in the journey that led me there. It began with Berlin, my second marathon and an emotional return to racing post-pandemic, where I earned my Boston qualifier. Boston was a dream realized, followed by a personal best in Chicago. In London, I ran with a heavy cold but soaked in every moment. New York felt like destiny after I got in through BY running the Road to the Majors Half Marathon and went into the AbbottWMM lottery. And finally, Tokyo – the last star, the final chapter. Each race gave me a story, a lesson, and a piece of myself. But standing in Tokyo, medal around my neck, it all came full circle.
Favourite Race: In New York I had matured so much as an athlete. I understood my body, my pace, and how to manage both effort and emotion on race day. The energy was unmatched: thousands of people cheering in every borough with music, signs, high-fives. It felt like the whole city was running with me. The course itself was no joke – crossing those bridges and tackling the constant elevation changes made it one of the toughest – but also one of the most rewarding. New York challenged me and embraced me at the same time. It was a celebration of everything I had become through this journey.
What’s next? Even though I’ve completed the six Majors, the excitement isn’t over. I'm now aiming for Sydney and future Majors to come. This year, I’ll be back in Chicago, not chasing a medal this time, but chasing that feeling all over again.
Andrew Tomlinson
From: Glasgow, Scotland
Started: 2021
Completed: 2024
Most memorable moment?
The right on Hereford, left on Boylston. Boston was my dream, it’s my PB course too. Although I should say claiming Guinness World Record for fastest person with Hemiplegia, and first person with cerebral palsy to complete all six Majors is close second.
Favourite Race: Boston was always my dream since I read Kathrine Switzer’s book Marathon Woman. Growing up with disability, the book resonated with me trying to push and break boundaries. Boston may be the most prestigious race but it also symbolizes inclusion with its adaptive athlete program. The course is hilly so being a Scot I love this, plus the unicorn provides another connection with Scotland. We are all Boston Strong!
What’s next: I’m running Athens in November, going back to where it all began. In 2026 I want to complete the Lewa Safari Marathon and in 2027 I want to be first person with Cerebral Palsy to run the Everest Marathon.
Burcin Bozkaya
From: Istanbul, Turkey
Started: 2016
Completed: 2019
Most memorable moment?
Turning the corner and approaching the finish line on Boylston Street in my sixth and last Major in Boston. Still gives me goosebumps...
Favourite Race: Of all the six, Berlin is my favorite and I actually ran it twice, mainly because Berlin was a combination of everything organized and executed perfectly, on both occasions. Great course (flat and fast), amazing attendance and lively audience, lots of music and fun along the course and great weather. It is also the place where most of the world records are broken, in fact I gained PR times in both of my Berlin outings.
What’s next? Now that I have earned six stars and also ran Sydney Marathon, I am going after 50 states in the USA; that is, completing a full marathon in each state in the USA. I’ve completed 24 so far, and counting.
Denis Hoarau
From: Réunion Island (France)
Started: 2017
Completed: 2023
Most memorable moment?
Crossing the finish line in Tokyo – not just because it was my sixth star, but because in that moment, I realized how far I had come since my first marathon in New York. What started as a simple challenge became a passion, a lifestyle, and a deep part of who I am. It wasn’t just about running six races, but about the discipline, the setbacks, the comebacks… and the man I became along the way. As a runner from Réunion Island, becoming one of the first to complete the Six Star journey was an immense pride. Representing my island, carrying its energy and spirit through every mile across the world – that’s what made Tokyo not just a finish line, but the emotional peak of a life-changing adventure.
Favourite Race: Boston is my favorite because it’s the most legendary. It’s not just a race, it’s a race you earn. The qualification process makes every step on that course feel special. From the electric atmosphere in Hopkinton to the roar of the crowds on Heartbreak Hill, the energy was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Boston has a soul. Being there was a dream come true - a moment of pride, of belonging and a reminder of everything I had overcome to stand on that start line.
What’s next: I’ve continued chasing new goals, including a new personal record in Amsterdam and more recently competing in the French National Marathon Championship in Saint-Tropez. I’m now setting my sights on the Sydney Marathon. The journey continues!
"It wasn’t just about running six races, but about the discipline, the setbacks, the comebacks… and the man I became along the way."
Felipe Alberto Miranda Ojeda
From: Ancud, Chiloé, Chile
Started: 2021
Completed: 2024
Most memorable moment?
New York in 2024 when I became the standard bearer for my country and became the youngest Chilean (28 years old) with the six stars. Running changed my life and completing the six-star circuit gave me the perception that nothing in life is impossible.
Favourite Race: For me this has to be New York. Finishing the six stars is a dream that every marathon runner should live at some point. I cried like a child and remembered all the moments I had to go through to get there. The atmosphere of New York is unique, there is an energy that I have not seen in any other race. You have support throughout the 26 miles with people yelling at you and encouraging you non-stop. The Parade of Nations is another moment that I will never forget. Representing your country is a unique situation in life and New York gave it to me
What’s next? My next challenge is the Ironman 70.3 and in about five years to be able to do a full Ironman. The marathon taught me that there are no impossibles.
James Lee Mcquown
From: United States
Began: 2018
Completed: 2023
Most memorable moment?
At the 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, I was nearing the end of the race when I spotted my family cheering at the 40km mark. I gave them a big wave and picked up the pace in excitement, only to be hit with a sudden leg cramp. Despite the pain, I pushed through and managed to set a new personal record. That made the Goose Island beer at the finish line taste even better.
Favourite Race: My Chicago experience was fantastic. Despite a bit of rain, the cool weather and wide, looped course made for ideal running conditions. Starting and finishing in the same spot made logistics easy, and the city’s friendly vibe shone through – from the welcoming crowds to the lively bands and DJs in every neighborhood. Great food and classic Midwest hospitality made the whole weekend unforgettable.
What’s next? In 2023 I received my first Six Star medal. In 2025, I kick started a new cycle in which I have already completed Tokyo and London.
Katya Malinova
From: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Began: 2022
Completed: 2025
Most memorable moment?
New York. It had both the high and the low. The low came early at mile eight in Brooklyn, a giant screen said ‘18.2 miles to finish!’ and my heart sank. Cue a hard mental reset as my kids were waiting at mile 23. When it was time to meet up at the end I was stuck in a sea of runners, trying to hear my daughter on the phone when she suddenly shouted, “Mom, I see you! Are you wearing orange?!” Everyone was. It was the year of the orange ponchos. But she meant my orange hair tie. That was the high. Somehow, in all that chaos, my children saw nobody but me. That moment meant the world.
Favourite Race: It’s like picking a favorite child but, if pressed, I’d say London. It is magical. I almost didn’t run as I was all set for Berlin, but extended the trip after learning how tough it is to get into London. I’d also read how welcoming and inclusive it was, which sealed the decision. The whole experience blew me away. It felt like a celebration from start to finish. I loved the costumes, the energy and chatting with others about why they ran - especially the charity runners. The crowd was electric - cheering, chanting, even yelling, you hear Tower Bridge before you see it and then the roar pulls you forward like a wave. So much power in that moment. Running past places I’d read about in childhood English lessons made it feel almost surreal.
What's next: Boston! And for the first time, my husband and kids are all coming to spectate.
Maria Eugenia Gutiérrez
Ganzarain
From: Spain
Started: 2017
Completed: 2023
Most memorable moment?
Finishing my very first marathon, New York, carrying both the Cuban and Spanish flags. It was a tribute to where I come from and who I’ve become. I didn’t know if I would be able to finish, but as I ran through Columbus Circle and turned into Central Park, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Crossing that finish line was not just the end of a race, it was the beginning of a lifelong journey. It remains one of the most powerful and emotional moments of my life.
Favourite Race? Chicago was the race where everything truly came together. Physically, I felt incredibly light and strong throughout the entire course as if I was floating. It was one of those rare days when all the training, all the discipline and all the sacrifices paid off. I ran my personal record there, and yet I crossed the finish line with my two flags with a sense of fulfilment. It was a magical experience, one that reminded me why I love running marathons.
What’s next? I recently ran the Madrid Marathon for the very first time. It’s incredibly special to finally run in my home city. But this race carries a deeper meaning: I was running for the Cuban people. Running has given me so much and now I want to use it to give something back.
Anne Treadwell
From: Montpelier, Vermont, USA
Started: 2004
Completed: 2024
Most memorable moment?
My first Boston Marathon in 2005.
Favourite Race: Boston is legendary and, as the only Major in New England, feels like my hometown race. It's the only Major that all four of my children have been able to cheer me on at, and I have so many wonderful memories there with family and friends as well as of the spectacular tailwind day of my marathon PR (3:06 in 2011; I'm 57 now so PRs are in the rear view). I appreciate the point-to-point course, which feels like an important symbolic journey, and I love the incomparable spectators, who will always have a place in my heart, especially after 2013.
What’s next? I ran Sydney last fall for my seventh Major and I will soon take part in the Patagonia International Marathon for my fifth continent (hoping to run in Africa in 2026 and Antarctica in 2027). I'm also excited to run New York for the fourth time this fall (last time was 2010) thanks to the Age Group World Championships!
"Crossing that finish line was not just the end of a race, it was the beginning of a lifelong journey."
Olga Stepanets
From: Kiev, Ukraine
Started: 2019
Completed: 2025
Most memorable moment?
When I stood at the start of the Boston Marathon, I carried more than just the miles ahead. I carried the weight of war in my homeland and the fog of depression. Running had become my refuge, a way to find clarity in chaos. As I climbed Heartbreak Hill, I felt that weight pressing down, but step-by-step, I remembered why I was there: the resilience of my people, the strength I’d found, the dreams I refused to let go.
Reaching the top wasn’t just a physical milestone; it was a personal triumph over everything I thought I couldn’t survive. Crossing that finish line, I wasn’t just a marathoner; I was proof of the human spirit’s power to endure. I carried Boston’s greatest lesson with me: even in darkness, we can rise, run, and reclaim our lives.
Favourite Race: My first Major, New York City, and what an unforgettable experience it was. Standing on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the energy was electric. The views were stunning, and the support through all five boroughs was nonstop: cheers, music, and high-fives carried me forward. At mile 18, I spotted a friend in the crowd just when I needed a lift, and it gave me the push to keep going. Crossing the finish line in Central Park with a personal record, I felt immense pride and gratitude. More than a race, it was a celebration of resilience and community - an experience I’ll never forget.
What’s next: Sydney 2025!
Shariska Winterdal
From: Aruba
Started: 2010
Completed: 2025
Most memorable moment?
When I ran the Boston marathon in 2013.
Favourite Race: Running in Tokyo was like a dream come true. Knowing that I would get my Six Star medal at the finish gave me a push to enjoy every kilometer and every moment of it. My mom had died the year before, but I felt her and it was as though she was guiding me, cheering for me like she always did. The traditional culture shows along the way were spectacular!
What’s next? I would love to run the Sydney Marathon!
Tim Schuster
From: Ann Arbor, MI USA
Started: 2006
Completed: 2023
Most memorable moment?
Running in the 2013 Boston marathon (and thankfully finishing before the bombing).
Favourite Race: Chicago. I am from the city originally and I have run it 18 times. It’s an annual family gathering where I get to see those I love throughout the course. It’s flat, fast and easily the best-supported race of all the majors
What’s next: I applied for Sydney but wasn’t picked. In 2024 I hiked up Mount Kilimanjaro and next up is Chicago once more!
Ulrich Skaunborg
From: Odense, Denmark
Started: 2013
Completed: 2023
Most memorable moment?
I had a bib for my final Six Star race, the Boston Marathon, in 2020, but the pandemic cancelled everything. In 2021, the borders were still closed, so I waited. By 2022, I finally made it to Boston but fell ill just before the race and had to drop out at the halfway point - one of the lowest moments in my running journey. Then, in 2023, I was miraculously offered another bib by the World Marathon Majors. As I turned onto Hereford, then Boylston, I knew I’d finally made it. It was, without question, my proudest and most unforgettable moment.
Favourite Race: Every race has meant something, but the London Marathon is my favourite. I was injured and it wasn’t my best run, but the weather was beautiful and the crowd unforgettable - especially along the narrow streets where the energy was electric. Crossing that finish line as a Six Star Finisher, after years of training and chasing race entries, was an incredible high. But afterwards came an unexpected feeling of emptiness – ‘what now?’.
What’s next? My next goal is clear: a trip to Australia. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a spot this year, but maybe I’ll be drawn next year - or I’ll have to explore other ways to get a bib!
Caitlin King
From: Pembroke, MA USA
Started: 2017
Completed: 2023
Most memorable moment?
I have two favorite moments. The first was the left turn onto Boylston Street at the Boston Marathon in 2018. After over three hours of running through freezing rain, headwinds, and brutal storm conditions, that final stretch made me the happiest runner on the course.
The second was in the last mile of the Tokyo Marathon, where I was wearing my Six Star Finisher bib. I’d run a decent race but felt mentally distracted, my headphones weren’t cooperating, and I didn’t have any family or friends waiting at the finish. Then, a runner beside me said, “You’re about to be a Six Star Finisher.” His words snapped me back into the moment. Thanks to him, I was able to truly savor the final mile of a journey that had taken over five years. I’ll always be grateful for that.
Favourite Race: It’s easy to say Boston was my favorite - it’s my hometown, and having my entire family there made it incredibly memorable. But if I’m honest, Berlin in September 2021 stands out even more. It was my fourth star, but more importantly, it came at a time when I was struggling mentally after a personal loss. Motivating myself to train was hard, and it was my first marathon since February 2020, after Covid cancellations. Going into Berlin, I wasn’t even sure if I was still the same runner. But I ran the race beautifully. Strategically, it was the best I’ve ever done - I paced myself well, stayed disciplined early and finished strong.
What’s next? I just ran Boston Marathon on behalf of Team Eye and Ear, which benefits Mass Eye and Ear Hospital – I did this for my two youngest sons who have a juvenile eye condition with no cure.
David Jones
From: Edmonds, WA, USA
Started: 2013
Completed: 2025
Most memorable moment?
That last mile in London: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Birdcage Walk, Buckingham Palace and St James's Park. Just visually and emotionally overwhelming, capped by such a welcoming finish line crew.
Favourite Race: The runners in London were so different from Boston. In London runners looked at the iconic landmarks, not their running watches. They stopped to hug supporters, to take photos as they crossed Tower Bridge and to adjust their costumes. Running London was still a serious athletic challenge, but the spirit of togetherness, fostered by the high percentage of charity runners, turned the event into such a positive, uplifting experience.
What’s next? After completing my sixth star in Tokyo this March I have been accepted to run Sydney in August. I am so excited to experience this world-class city from street level, and to continue visiting other major international destinations to run their streets. I am hoping Cape Town and Shanghai can show that they are ready.
Gregory Nation
From: New York, USA
Started: 2012
Completed: 2024
Most memorable moment?
During my journey I had to keep shifting races due to cancellations. My first New York was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy in 2012, I then had Tokyo, Berlin and New York in 2020 and had to reschedule all three due to COVID. It seemed like I would never be able to finish the journey, but it made it even more meaningful when I crossed the London Marathon finish line and got my Six Star medal in 2024.
Favourite Race: Other races have their highlights, but none match the energy and atmosphere of New York. The city shows up in full force, with spectators lining every mile, cheering for runners of all levels as they tackle a tough and iconic course. There’s something unforgettable about seeing the Statue of Liberty in the distance at the start, it makes you feel like one of the huddled masses arriving with hope. And after miles of grit and determination, entering Central Park feels like you’ve truly made it. It’s the ultimate New York experience.
What’s next? In addition to adding Sydney to the list, I would like to eventually do a second round of the Majors and I’m also looking to trail races and other unique events.
Jaime Villegas
From: Medellín, Colombia
Started: 2013
Completed: 2024
Most memorable moment?
Crossing the finish line after qualifying for the Boston Marathon. A few years earlier, I was struggling with my health and weighed 95kg. I was far from athletic. That finish line wasn’t just the end of a race; it was proof of how far I had come through discipline, hard work, and determination. It was an emotional reminder that transformation is possible.
Favourite Race: Boston is my favorite race because it’s the most challenging of all the World Marathon Majors for me but also the most magical. The course demands everything from you, both physically and mentally. But what makes it unforgettable is the atmosphere: the crowd, the energy, the history… the entire city embraces the race in a way that’s truly special. Running Boston isn’t just about the race - it’s about being part of something iconic. It pushes you to your limit and lifts you up at the same time.
What’s next? After qualifying for Boston and completing all six Abbott World Marathon Majors, I realized this journey had become much more than just running. Now, I’m focused on staying healthy, inspiring others to chase their goals and exploring new challenges - maybe even beyond marathons. The finish line was never the end; it was the beginning of a new chapter.
Alexander Blueschke
From: Berlin, Germany
Started: 2016
Completed: 2025
Most memorable moment?
That electrifying moment in the starting block at Boston Marathon when the national anthem soared through the air and fighter jets exploded out of the clouds above. An unforgettable surge of power!
Favourite Race: The Tokyo Marathon isn’t just a race, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the electric start in the heart of the city to the incredible support from the crowds lining every mile, you feel like a hero in one of the world’s most vibrant and welcoming cities. The course winds through Tokyo’s perfect mix of modern skyscrapers, historic temples and peaceful parks. Add in flawless organization and the unmatched hospitality of the Japanese people, and you get a marathon that leaves a mark on your heart. It’s not just 42.195 kilometers – it’s a memory for life.
What’s next? This September, I’ll be lacing up for my 14th Berlin Marathon, an event that never loses its magic. Just weeks later, I’ll be taking on the iconic New York City Marathon as part of the AbbottWMM MTT Age Group World Championships! Two world-class races, one unforgettable journey.
Andrew Turner
From: Horsham, United Kingdom
Started: 1993
Completed: 2015
Most memorable moment?
Reaching the summit of Heartbreak Hill on the Boston Marathon, with the wonderful view of central Boston ahead and the exhilaration of a five-mile descent to the finishing line. Just one of many treasured memories from my Six Star journey.
Favourite Race: Berlin. It was a glorious, sunny day and the walk through the tranquil landscape of the Tiergarten to the start line was memorable. A very different experience from most big city marathons. When I got there the atmosphere was electric with anticipation and the camaraderie was fantastic. That feeling continued throughout the 26.2 miles, and the feeling of running through the Brandenburg Gate with the finish line in sight was the ultimate runner’s high.
What’s next? Sydney of course! What else? The challenge of a seventh star is just too irresistible (even at my advanced age!).
"It’s not just 42.195 kilometers – it’s a memory for life."
Built with Shorthand