How to run Six World Major Marathons (twice)… in a year!

The Abbott World Major Marathons are the most renowned races on the planet, brining ordinary runners together to compete in iconic events the world over. Fewer than 8,000 runners have completed all six majors (our customer is Guy Warner among them), and only 84 have done so in the same calendar year. We caught up with Guy to find out why he’s attempting all six WMMs once again, starting this weekend in Tokyo and finishing this November in New York.

When did you decide to run all the World Major Marathons and why?

After running London, I ran the New York Marathon. When I got to the Big Apple, I found out about the World Major Marathons. I think it was at that point, having done the biggest Marathon in the world, I thought maybe I could go on to do the other four as well!

After completing all six, why do you want to run them AGAIN!?

I’ve been telling my wife for five years now that I’m retiring from running, but I’ve got the running bug! In 2020 I had the idea of running all the World Major Marathons for a second time, but since COVID hit, I just trained and trained, waiting to take them on again. After New York I will try to sign off from long distance running – I think 12 marathons is enough!

How have you prepared for the Tokyo Marathon?

I was slightly behind the curtains for Tokyo, training round Christmas is never easy. I can’t say I had the perfect New year training either, which I’m sure many can relate to. But I’ve started to build up my miles now. It’s all about those precious long runs to build up stamina and miles in the legs. The more you run, the more you enjoy it. But my focus is strength and conditioning, I am determined not to injure myself.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep going?

When it comes to training, its pure pride. You want to do well on the day. If you’re not prepared, it’s a horrible place to be, but If you’ve made the effort to go abroad, you don’t fly all that way to stop during the race. Yes, you can stop, but that internal voice of ‘why am I here? who am I doing this for?’ will make you keep going.

What advice would you give to someone looking to run their very first marathon?

If you can walk 26 miles, you can run a marathon, and somewhere between your walking pace and your running pace, is your marathon pace, so any one can do it! I know people are very daunted by distance, but pacing no matter the level of experience is vital. I still have the same sense of achievement and excitement now as I did for my first marathon. That’s how special they are!

What’s your favourite World Major Marathon and why?

Well… I must say I love the Chicago Marathon. It’s a fantastic course and a brilliant weekend. It starts at the right time – at seven in the morning, which is great – get on and do it while the day is cool. Tokyo, however, is a place like no other, and a wonderful place to achieve your sixth star.

Finally why did you decide to run with Sports Tours International?  

It’s so, so easy. There are a lot of logistics involved with a marathon weekend, particularly getting hold of an overseas entry. Sports Tours make it straightforward, even if you want something a little bit bespoke, it’s just never too much. My experience with Sports Tours has topped all the rest, so it’s my go to.

Will you join Guy at the start line of the Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, or New York marathon? Find out more about our event packages here.

The Abbott World Major Marathons are the most renowned races on the planet, brining ordinary runners together to compete in iconic events the world over. Fewer than 8,000 runners have completed all six majors (our customer is Guy Warner among them), and only 84 have done so in the same calendar year. We caught up with Guy to find out why he’s attempting all six WMMs once again, starting this weekend in Tokyo and finishing this November in New York.

When did you decide to run all the World Major Marathons and why?

After running London, I ran the New York Marathon. When I got to the Big Apple, I found out about the World Major Marathons. I think it was at that point, having done the biggest Marathon in the world, I thought maybe I could go on to do the other four as well!

After completing all six, why do you want to run them AGAIN!?

I’ve been telling my wife for five years now that I’m retiring from running, but I’ve got the running bug! In 2020 I had the idea of running all the World Major Marathons for a second time, but since COVID hit, I just trained and trained, waiting to take them on again. After New York I will try to sign off from long distance running – I think 12 marathons is enough!

How have you prepared for the Tokyo Marathon?

I was slightly behind the curtains for Tokyo, training round Christmas is never easy. I can’t say I had the perfect New year training either, which I’m sure many can relate to. But I’ve started to build up my miles now. It’s all about those precious long runs to build up stamina and miles in the legs. The more you run, the more you enjoy it. But my focus is strength and conditioning, I am determined not to injure myself.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep going?

When it comes to training, its pure pride. You want to do well on the day. If you’re not prepared, it’s a horrible place to be, but If you’ve made the effort to go abroad, you don’t fly all that way to stop during the race. Yes, you can stop, but that internal voice of ‘why am I here? who am I doing this for?’ will make you keep going.

What advice would you give to someone looking to run their very first marathon?

If you can walk 26 miles, you can run a marathon, and somewhere between your walking pace and your running pace, is your marathon pace, so any one can do it! I know people are very daunted by distance, but pacing no matter the level of experience is vital. I still have the same sense of achievement and excitement now as I did for my first marathon. That’s how special they are!

What’s your favourite World Major Marathon and why?

Well… I must say I love the Chicago Marathon. It’s a fantastic course and a brilliant weekend. It starts at the right time – at seven in the morning, which is great – get on and do it while the day is cool. Tokyo, however, is a place like no other, and a wonderful place to achieve your sixth star.

Finally why did you decide to run with Sports Tours International?  

It’s so, so easy. There are a lot of logistics involved with a marathon weekend, particularly getting hold of an overseas entry. Sports Tours make it straightforward, even if you want something a little bit bespoke, it’s just never too much. My experience with Sports Tours has topped all the rest, so it’s my go to.

Will you join Guy at the start line of the Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, or New York marathon? Find out more about our event packages here.