EDEN'S SPRING PUSH 

With the spring marathon season fast approaching, Britain’s rising wheelchair star Eden Rainbow-Cooper is gearing up for a packed few months that begin in Tokyo before moving on to Boston and London. Fresh from an intensive training block and building confidence in her new racing chair, the 24-year-old is focused on enjoying the journey as she lines up against the world’s best... 

How are you feeling heading into the season? 
I feel really good. I’ve just been away training with my group and coach for a few weeks, which is always invaluable for me. I’ve got a new racing chair and I finally feel super comfortable in it, so I’m excited to get back on the roads and push the limits again. 

What’s your mindset going into this new season of racing?  
The goal is always to give it my all and really enjoy the races. A podium wouldn’t hurt, but it’s about being there, racing hard and seeing what I can do. 

First up is Tokyo – tell us more about your relationship with this event?  
I love the Tokyo course. It’s flat and fast and that suits me really well. It’s a real test of how hard you can go and how long you can hold it. I’ve had strong races there before (including second place) and I’d love to go beyond what I’ve done previously. The field includes Catherine (Debrunner), Manuela (Schär), Madison (de Rozario) and Tatyana (McFadden) - all athletes I have looked up to for years. I still feel like I need to pinch myself on the start line when I am surrounded by these amazing women.  

And having won Boston in 2024, how will you feel being back on that course in 2026?  
Boston is special but it’s never easy. The adrenaline I get over the first 5-10km definitely pulls me through to the rest of race. It’s hard, it’s fast and at some point the race becomes about grit and how deep you can dig! More than anything I want to be on the start line knowing I’m a contender and ready to find out what I’m capable of. 

And then it’s on to London. What makes that race unique? 
London is always emotional. The crowds are incredible and racing at home means a lot. It’s also really technical in places, so experience and positioning matter a lot. 

Your results have improved rapidly in recent seasons. What’s changed in training? 
I train about 10 times a week now, mostly in the chair and twice in the gym. A lot of sessions I do on my own, which builds mental toughness. Some days it’s cold and miserable but you just have to get out there. That consistency has pushed me forward. It's a lot of hard work, and it's a lot of effort, but there is nothing quite so rewarding as when you get on the start line and go,
'Okay, I've made it'.

"In wheelchair racing your tactical brain needs to be as strong as your muscles and that makes it all the more exhausting when you finish a race"

How do you prepare for such different courses across the majors? 
Each one needs something different. Tokyo is about speed, Boston is about strength and hills and London is about positioning. In wheelchair racing your tactical brain needs to be as strong as your muscles and that makes it all the more exhausting when you finish a race. Positioning, timing, knowing the course… it’s not just physical.  

The Women's Wheelchair elite field is incredibly strong. How do you view the competition? 
You can never underestimate anyone. The fields are stacked with athletes like Catherine (Debrunner), Susannah (Scaroni), Manuela (Schär), Madison (de Rozario) and Tatyana (McFadden). Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and the courses suit different racers, so you really just have to focus on your own race and be ready for anything. 

Who is it that inspires you the most? 
I actually train with Catherine Debrunner which is incredibly inspiring, and also incredibly frustrating at times! Ultimately I want to learn as much as I can from her as she is at the peak – the level that I hope to reach myself one day. 

What defines success for you this season beyond podium and fast times? 
One word - improvement. Uphills have been a weakness for me, so seeing progress there would be huge. Above all I want to enjoy it, the marathon pushes you so far, but after each race I want to feel proud of how I performed. As long as I get to the start knowing I’ve done everything I can, it’s a good day. 

The travel and quick turnaround between races is intense. How do you manage it? 
Recovery becomes everything. Rest, fuel, hydration and also stepping away mentally which sometimes means doing normal life things and switching off from racing for a bit. 

And what does help you switch off away from competition? 
Walking my dog, seeing friends, doing everyday things – it is important to remember I’m still just a 24-year-old living my life alongside this sport. 

Looking back to when you started as an 11-year-old, what’s been the biggest surprise of your journey? 
The people. The community in wheelchair racing is incredible and being surrounded by strong athletes has completely changed how I view myself and what I think of as possible. 

When fans watch you racing this spring, what do you hope they see? 
I hope they see determination but also joy. I want young people to see that elite sport is serious, but it’s also fun and human. You don’t need perfect conditions to start out, more than anything it’s about who you are and how much you’re willing to give. 

Leodhais Macpherson broke down in tears when he was told he had won a place in every Abbott World Marathon Major. 

The 25-year-old from Tynemouth, England, was one of 500-plus people who entered the AbbottWMM World Tour competition, where the top prize was a race bib in the seven existing Majors, plus the Sanlam Cape Town and Shanghai Marathons if they pass through the candidacy process.  

The winner would receive a travel budget and accommodation, courtesy of Marathon Tours & Travel. 

Entrants had to post a video on social media telling judges Liz Newcomer and Aubrey Mvula, both prolific marathon runners and content creators themselves, why they should win the once-in-a-lifetime prize. 

Leodhais’s video told the story of how his brother Conor’s suicide inspired him to run an astonishing 128 marathons in 128 days, a total of 3,332 miles, which is the same distance from his native Tynemouth to New York. 

New York is significant as that was where Conor wanted to live but never got the chance to.  

Leodhais completed the incredible feat around his full-time job and raised more than £100,000 for charity. 

After reaching the final stage of the competition, Leodhais was interviewed by the two judges who phoned him back moments later to give him the good news.  

“I’m shaking, are you serious?” he said on hearing the news.  

“I can’t explain how much this means to me. This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. After what I’ve been through and everything that I’ve done over the past year, I cannot thank you enough. 

“Being able to share this story has genuinely helped so many people, not just through raising money for charity, but giving people hope. Put your trainers on and go for a run, it can be so powerful and help you cope with anything life throws at you.” 

Leodhais will begin his epic World Tour at the TCS London Marathon on April 26. 

Keep in touch with Leodhais by following his Instagram channel.  

Louise Sylvester speaks to the team behind NewRun, the organization using mass participation races to help runners across Ukraine keep moving forward, one step at a time... 

When NewRun was founded in 2015, its aim was to help build a modern running culture in Ukraine. The organization focused on staging high quality races that promoted healthy lifestyles and showed that Ukrainian cities could host events at an international standard. No one could have predicted how that mission would evolve. 

Since the invasion of Ukraine, NewRun’s events have taken on a different meaning far greater than finish times and personal bests. Today, the races have become platforms for fundraising and shared resilience, offering moments of connection in a country living under constant pressure. 

“Before the war, our focus was on growing the sport and building communities,” NewRun's Chief Director Oksana Suvets told us. “Now, running has become a way to support each other and to show that life in our cities continues, even in the hardest circumstances.” 

When the invasion began, racing stopped entirely. Like much of the country, NewRun’s team faced uncertainty. Organizing mass participation events felt wrong, as Oksana explained: “Both logistically impossible and emotionally inappropriate in those first months when everyday life had been turned upside down.” 

Gradually, however, a new reality began to take shape and people cautiously returned to routines where they could. Running, in particular, emerged as a coping mechanism. Oksana elaborated: “We saw how important running became for people’s mental health. It gave structure to the week, a goal to train for and a reminder that forward motion was still possible.” 

By early 2023, NewRun’s team felt a renewed sense of responsibility. In October that year, working with logistics partner Nova Poshta, they organized the first marathon held in Ukraine since the start of the war. “That race was about much more than sport,” Head of the International Cooperation for NewRun, Alina Masich, explained. “It was a statement that collective events and public life still have a place in Ukrainian cities.” 

Delivering an event under such conditions requires an extraordinary level of planning. Every route is developed in close coordination with city authorities and emergency services. The organizers assess road conditions, infrastructure risks and the location of bomb shelters along the course and in start and finish areas. “Safety is our absolute priority,” Alina stressed. “If an air raid alert sounds, we pause the race immediately and direct everyone to the nearest shelter. We only resume once we have official clearance.” 

“That race was about much more than sport, It was a statement that collective events and public life still have a place in Ukrainian cities.”

The war has inevitably affected NewRun’s people as well as its plans. Some team members left the country at the start of the invasion and have since built new lives elsewhere. At the same time however, many others stepped forward. New team members joined, and the volunteer base, if anything, actually grew stronger. 

Since 2023, fundraising has been at the center of every NewRun event. Participants understand from the moment they sign up that their entry contributes to something larger than their own finish time. Funds raised have supported defense and humanitarian initiatives, rehabilitation programs and inclusive sports initiatives.

“We don’t treat charity as an add-on,” Alina told us. “It is built into the identity of our events. Every race becomes a platform for shared responsibility.” 

Inclusivity has also become an important focus for the team. The number of Ukrainians living with disabilities has risen sharply due to the war, making accessibility a priority.

NewRun works closely with the Unbroken Rehabilitation Center, where many people undergo physical and psychological recovery after suffering severe injuries. NewRun’s desire is for their races to be spaces where everyone feels welcome, with a belief that sport can play a powerful role in helping people rebuild confidence and return to an active social life. 

Moments on race day often show the impact of this work.

Oksana says: “One veteran, taking part as part of his rehabilitation, told us he never believed he would stand on a start line again. His goal was simply to run a few kilometers but when he reached the finish, applause spread through the crowd. People weren’t cheering a time. They were cheering the fact that he was there. That moment reminded us what these events are truly about.” 

That spirit is ever present. While personal goals remain important, many runners now say they are running for someone else - a friend serving in the military, a displaced family member or a specific cause. The emotional atmosphere has changed with every bib number often carrying a story that goes far beyond ‘just sport’. 

And despite everything, participation numbers have grown.

“In a time of uncertainty, perhaps our races offer a clear goal in the future and with that a sense of belonging," says Oksana.

"For many people, standing on the start line has become a quiet way of saying, ‘We are still here, and we are still moving forward!’.” 

What about the future? Looking beyond the conflict, the organization plans to bring races to more Ukrainian cities, with routes that pass through central streets and historic districts, making running a visible part of urban life. It is also working to align events with international standards, with the long-term goal of achieving World Athletics labels.

“We want Ukrainian races to be recognized on the world stage. Not only for their quality, but for the spirit behind them,” says Oksana. 

For now, though, the focus is firmly on the here and now in Ukraine. NewRun and all it offers is helping people come together and prove that, despite everything, progress is possible - one step at a time. 

In 2026, NewRun will stage running events in Lviv, Kyiv, and Cherkasy - from the Lviv Half Marathon to the flagship marathon races in the capital and the first-ever marathon in Cherkasy, the season offers distances for runners of all levels of preparation.

Lviv Half Marathon 2026
May 3, 2026

MHP Run4Victory Kyiv Marathon
May 17, 2026

MHP Run4Victory Cherkasy Marathon
September 20, 2026

Run from Stadium to the Stars at the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon, a course that showcases Los Angeles’ energy, culture, and legendary landmarks. Perfect for first time marathoners and seasoned runners alike, this event celebrates achievement at every level. The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon is hosted by The McCourt Foundation, and all participation supports its mission to cure neurological diseases and empower communities to build a healthier world. 

Kristyn R. Smith is a New York-based running coach, masters athlete, and proud Six Star Finisher who completed her journey at the 2025 Tokyo Marathon. 
 
Kristyn will tackle a new challenge in each issue of MAJORS magazine and this month gives some tips on how to stay motivated during the winter months.  

For those in the northern hemisphere, the days are short, you haven’t seen the sun in weeks and the air outside is less than inviting. Welcome to winter training, where just getting out the door is a struggle. In fact I find that is the hardest part, the getting going. Whether this is your first or your tenth time training through the winter season, you are not alone in that feeling, it can be tricky to stay on track and feel excited for spring races when simply running at all is a monumental chore. 

As someone who has experienced this both first hand and as a coach, I can assure you, waning motivation and challenging conditions don’t have to spell doom. Instead what you want to do is master a few techniques to mitigate and manage the winter months. Here are my tips for getting to spring races feeling strong and prepared: 

Make it routine. For running to be sustainable it needs to become part and parcel of your regular life. I consider my training a (near) non-negotiable on par with brushing my teeth or washing the dishes. No one is excited about either of those tasks, yet we consistently get it done, often without a second thought. That is because we know dental hygiene is as important as a clean house. In the same way, you don’t need to be fired up for every run on the calendar. You do however need to make it happen on a consistent basis. The reward and satisfaction that intentional action will come at the end! The more you can build running into your week, every week, as a given, the easier it becomes to put in the miles. 

Make a plan and give yourself options. In order to consistently make it happen you want to establish a plan in advance and remove potential barriers. On a practical level that means taking steps like checking the forecast for the week to shift runs and rest days where possible to avoid the worst conditions. When things can’t be shifted it’s helpful to have an alternative option at the ready, such as moving a run indoors either to the treadmill or a local indoor track. In a pinch you can substitute cross training such as the elliptical, rower or indoor cycling. Some movement, particularly that an aerobic focus, is always better than nothing. You also want to dedicate time and thought to removing as many points of friction as you can. I like to set an alarm for bedtime, not only wake up. In addition you should lay out your running gear the night before, prep your breakfast or afternoon snack, as well as, pre-fill your bottles with hydration and any recovery drinks. The more you can have things at the ready, in advance, the simpler the run itself becomes.  

Give yourself incentives and extrinsic motivation. There’s nothing wrong with bribing yourself to get the training done. I’m a music fan (and a millennial) so I enjoy making song mixes that hype me up and get me out the door. If you see someone singing along on a run, that’s probably me. On other days I’ll catch up on my favorite podcasts for a welcome distraction. You can use destination runs for this purpose too. Have small errands to do? Always wanted to try that new bakery in town? Run there and give your miles a productive or enticing end point. Or there’s always the classic new shoe ploy. Few things are as rewarding as the first run in a new pair of shoes. You can’t make every run the biggest event of the year but you sure can mix things up to keep it interesting. 

Dress appropriately. When faced with adverse conditions what you put on becomes really important. Your comfort, well being and even safety will be tied directly to wearing the right gear. There are several levels to what makes appropriate attire depending upon what the conditions are, including air temperature, wind exposure, and possible precipitation or moisture levels. I won’t go into all the nuances of that here. But the key principles are: dress in layers, keep your core warm, and protect your extremities (head, hands, and feet). 

Finally, give yourself grace. Training doesn’t need to be perfect. If you give your best day to day and strive for a consistent build, you will find success. I like to use this analogy: every run done makes a deposit into the fitness bank. The more you can contribute and the longer these deposits have to multiply, the more compound interest you earn. Race day is when the bill is due. You don’t want to find yourself on the start line with nothing in the bank. You want that strong race you envisioned when you signed up. Make the most of every day. Dedicated work provides the ultimate payout. 

MEET THE TEAM 

Since 2017, Scott Cassin has helped shape the worldwide reach of Abbott World Marathon Majors. As Head of Global Partnerships, he plays a key role in expanding the Age Group World Rankings series and elevating the visibility of the Majors on the world stage, all while staying inspired by the everyday athletes whose journeys make the sport so powerful. 

What does your role as Head of Global Partnerships involve day to day? 
I work on a few projects. Part of my role is to contract and manage the marathons that parter with and serve as qualifiers for the AbbottWMM MTT Age Group World Rankings. When I started, there were just under 50 races and now we are over 375 races in over 90 different countries!   

The other big part of my job is management of our logo at each of the Age Group Qualifying races, but more importantly with the seven Abbott World Marathon Major races.  For the Majors, I work with each of their talented teams throughout the year; making sure as many eyeballs as possible are exposed to our logo - whether that be for the millions of on-site spectators or on TV/Streaming services. 

What’s the most memorable moment you’ve been part of while working for Abbott World Marathon Majors? 
Our first Age Group World Championships in London stands out as a particularly special moment. Held after the pandemic, it was great to be at the welcome reception meeting runners and hearing about the races they had completed to qualify. There was a real sense of pride in knowing that, in some small way, I had helped them reach that achievement. 

Are you a runner yourself. If so, what’s one race or run you’ll never forget? 
Growing up, I was more of a short distance runner - 100/200 meters. As I got into my 20's and 30's, I ran some 5 and 10K events but never made it to the full marathon distance. I have been working on marathons, in one capacity or another, since 2002 and watching the runners cross the finish line is special every time regardless of the fact that I haven't taken on the distance myself.  

Imagine for a second you are a 'runner' then, which of the Marathon Majors would you choose to run and why? 
If I were to run a Major, it would likely be Chicago. I live in Chicago, my whole family lives in the area and I have worked on the Chicago Marathon in some way dating back to 2002. So, it would be great to be a part of that race and hear the 1.7 million people cheering me on! 

What have you loved about being part of Abbott World Marathon Majors for the last nine years?  
For me, the growth of the company has been incredible! I started working at the same time as Danny Coyle (our COO) and there were only four of us at that time. Seeing the company grow to 14 employees and our database growing to more than 1.3 million people and adding a seventh Major - on our way to nine - is amazing. I can't wait to be a part of what is next. 

How do you unwind when you’re not working? 
I like to watch and participate in all that Chicago sports has to offer. I have also been a golfer since I was a little boy and even played in college at Butler University (Go Dawgs!). So, playing a round of golf with friends or attending Blackhawks, Bulls, Bears, Cubs and White Sox games with my wife is great fun for me. 

When you think about the future of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, what are you most excited about? 
I am most excited about our expansion to other areas of the world. Starting with Sydney last year, they did such an amazing job of showing what a Major race can do for a community and a country. Looking toward the hopeful additions of Cape Town and Shanghai, it will expose even more people to the power of the marathon. 

If you weren’t doing this job, what do you think you’d be doing instead? 
I would likely be working somewhere within the golf industry. Prior to working at the Majors, I was working with the PGA Tour on a web.com tour (known as the Korn Ferry Tour now). The opportunity with Abbott World Marathon Majors came up at the perfect time for me, however. I have worked within the sports industry my whole life, but the running industry has been so fulfilling. Where else within sports can you work for a company that helps regular individuals achieve their goals?