MEET THE TEAM

How long have you worked at Abbott World Marathon Majors? 
I started in January 2023, so just over two years now.

You are Head of Creative, what does that entail exactly? 
I am responsible for the visual identity of our brand. I design or am involved with all of our creative output, from our expo booths, to the digital magazine you are reading now and everything in between.

What part of the job do you love the most? 
I think the part of the job I like the most is when I go to the races, being at the expos and meeting our Six Star runners and seeing the excitement build. Then being at the Six Star tent on race day and seeing the emotion of runners as they complete their journey. It is such a huge achievement and it is a special feeling that you had a tiny part in it.

You are a Six Star Finisher, how did that come about? 
I started my Six Star journey in 2019. Before AbbottWMM, I worked for the London Marathon, I had just started running prior to joining the company and after working at the event for a couple of years and being surrounded by runners I felt inspired and thought I would give a marathon a go. My first was New York City - I finished that race and at no point did I think I would run more. However, a year or so later a friend of mine convinced me to join him to do another and we signed up to Boston. Sadly that was postponed, then cancelled due to the pandemic so we ended running it virtually around my local park 26 times. When racing came back, we wanted to go and do the race in person and I also did Berlin in the fall of the same year, again with friends. All of a sudden, I found myself halfway through the Majors and thought 'why not have a go at getting all six?!'

Which race did you complete the challenge with, and how did it feel?
I completed my journey in London which was great because it is my hometown race. Having watched and worked at the event for so many years it was awesome to be able to go out and run the race and the fact I was finishing my Six Star journey made it even more special! Seeing my friends and family out on the course and being given my London medal followed by the Six Star medal by colleagues that are now friends was a truly special moment that I will never forget.

Tell us more about each of the races, which did you enjoy running the most? 
I enjoyed each race all for different reasons. I love how each city gets taken over when the marathon is in town and there is always a buzz around a marathon weekend. If I was forced to pick a favorite, I would probably say London with it being my home race, but I have fond memories of running each Major.

What was your most memorable moment? 
I think my most memorable moment was finishing the journey. When I turned the last corner on to The Mall in London I felt all the days, months and even years of preparation that had gone into it, along with the support I had received from family and friends to get me there. When you get to that finish line of your sixth race, whichever city that may be, it makes everything worth it!

What is top of your bucket list - it may or may not be another marathon! 
I don’t really have a bucket list; I like to travel and signing up to a local race is always a good way to see the place you’re visiting. I quite like the idea of a trail ultra so may give one a go in the next year or two.

Do you have plans to run the new Major events as they come on board? Is Sydney calling? 
I will have to clear that with the boss to see if they let me run any more :-) .