Sardar Azimov is a 38-year-old marathoner from France, married with two daughters. He began running in 2014 and has since completed 19 marathons, including earning the prestigious Six Star Finisher medal in 2024 for completing all six World Marathon Majors. Professionally, Sardar is the founder of a B2B marketing agency and works as a self-employed entrepreneur.
Tomomi Bitoh is a Japanese ultra-runner set to participate in the 2025 World Marathon Challenge, an extraordinary event featuring seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. Tomomi aims to win the marathon and break the world record. Driven by a passion for inspiring others, Tomomi seeks to spread energy and smiles worldwide through her dedication to taking on remarkable challenges.
“I’m going to run 7 marathons, on 7 continents, in 7 days. Then, I’m going to drink beer.”
Dennis Beggs discovered his passion for running at 55, and now, at 62, he is taking on the ultimate endurance test: the World Marathon Challenge—seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. A dedicated runner and Janesville farmer, Dennis has achieved remarkable feats, including completing all six World Marathon Majors in under a year, running marathons on six continents, and consistently finishing in the top 25% with times under four hours. For Dennis, running is about more than physical fitness; it’s about forging connections and embracing challenges. He has formed lasting friendships with athletes worldwide and cherishes iconic races like the New York and London Marathons. Whether navigating the icy terrain of Antarctica or enduring the heat of Cape Town, Dennis thrives on the mental clarity and perseverance that running brings. He plans to keep running for another 30 years, finding joy and strength in every mile. This year, Dennis is running to honor his mother’s memory by supporting the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA). His mother passed away three years ago on Christmas Day after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer's/Dementia. As her caretaker until she required full-time care, Dennis witnessed the profound impact of this devastating disease, which affects nearly 14 million people worldwide with no known cure. In a poignant twist of fate, the first marathon of the challenge coincides with the anniversary of his father’s passing, while the final marathon falls on the day his father was laid to rest. You can join Dennis in this meaningful cause by donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America through the following link: https://givebutter.com/dennisbeggs. Your support helps bring hope to those affected by this disease.
Dawei, from Beijing, began running in 2014 and has since transformed his health, losing 20 kilograms and embracing a disciplined, active lifestyle. He has completed over 120 marathons and 15 triathlons, including his first IRONMAN 226 in Gurye, Korea, in 2023. His personal best marathon time is 3:31, achieved at the 2019 Seoul Marathon. Notable achievements include completing the Virtual World Marathon Challenge (777) in 2020, finishing two rounds of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, and running his 100th marathon at the Forbidden City Marathon in 2022. In 2024, he successfully completed the summer North Pole Marathon. Dawei is a founding member of the China Exploration Association’s 100 Marathons Club and has inspired nearly a thousand people to start running through his advocacy for scientific training and a positive lifestyle. He has also supported various sports and health projects. Looking ahead, Dawei aims to tackle the Gobi Desert Challenge, the World Marathon Challenge (7 Marathons 7 Continents 7 Days), and the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. His running journey continues to take him around the world, where he embraces new challenges and connects with fellow enthusiasts.
Corey is originally from Columbus, Indiana and holds a Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice. When not running, he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling across the U.S. and around the world. Corey got a relatively late start to running but to date, he has completed over a dozen full marathons. Corey is competing in the 2025 World Marathon Challenge to raise money and awareness for The Freedom 13. This foundation was established in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, one of the 13 U.S. service members who was tragically killed in the Abbey Gate bombing during the final days of the U.S. withdraw from Afghanistan. To honor Jared and the other 12 service members, The Freedom 13 aims to establish recreational retreats in each of the 50 U.S. states where veterans and their families can go to spend time with family, connect with other veterans, and engage in various outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming, hunting, and pickleball. The foundation will also provide access to service dogs, PTSD counseling services, and employment placement assistance.
Cheng is an accomplished marathoner and ultra-distance runner. Cheng has completed all six World Marathon Majors, starting with the Boston and Berlin Marathons in 2018, followed by the Chicago Marathon in 2019, the New York Marathon in 2022, the Tokyo Marathon in 2023, and the London Marathon in 2024. In the same year, Cheng expanded their running achievements by finishing the prestigious UTMB Mont-Blanc CCC 100km ultramarathon, showcasing their passion and endurance for long-distance challenges.
Ning Chen is a runner who defies categorization: a senior by age, a junior by pace, and an enthusiast by the sheer number of races and total distance he achieves each year. Ning Chen’s running journey began later in life—at the age of 45—when he set a bold goal to transform himself during a pivotal life stage. Once a self-proclaimed sports despiser who couldn’t complete a single kilometer without struggle, Ning Chen redefined himself as a passionate athlete (by his own standards) through perseverance and dedication. As a proud Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finisher, Ning Chen is now on track to achieve another remarkable milestone: completing his 100th full marathon in 2025. Ning Chen feels deeply grateful for discovering running when he needed a new source of energy, passion, and discipline. Beyond physical strength, the sport has enriched him mentally, instilling patience, endurance, and resilience—qualities essential for thriving in today’s fast-changing world. Go runner!
Mench Dizon is a Filipina tech entrepreneur based in Singapore. She has been running marathons since 2008 and is a Six-Star World Marathon Majors finisher. She first heard of the World Marathon Challenge in 2015. It has been on her mind since then. A decade later, she will finally set-off on this adventure. The "Road to Seven" is Mench's journey of running in all 7continents in 7 days while raising 7 Million Pesos for the Sisters of Mary School, a boarding school for brilliant but underprivileged kids in the Philippines.
George commenced his running journey later in life, finishing his inaugural Comrades Ultra Marathon in 2000 at the age of 28. He subsequently completed 11 Comrades South Africa Ultra Marathons. George has participated in several marathons globally, including those in Berlin, Germany, Greenland, Belgium, Finland, United Kingdom, Netherlands - Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Switzerland:Jungfrau, South Africa: Wally Hayward and countless in Zimbabwe. George successfully completed the 250 km Arctic Ice Ultra in Sweden and the 200 mile 6633 Yukon Ultra in Canada.
Chris is a 45 year-old runner who splits his time between San Francisco, CA, and Park City, UT. His journey as an endurance athlete began in 2012, and since then, he’s tackled numerous marathons, Ironman triathlons, and ultramarathons. As a proud member of the American Cancer Society's DetermiNation team, Chris channels his passion for running into raising funds and awareness for cancer research. Beyond the finish line, he’s a digital health entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. Chris is supported by his amazing wife and two children, who have supported his dream of visiting all seven continents—and running marathons on each one!
James is an active sportsman with a history of high-level team sports. His fitness achievements include completing 24-hour rowing sessions, marathons, burpee miles, and HYROX podium finishes. He enjoys long-distance rowing and running as hobbies. Recently, James completed eight half marathons in eight days, along with numerous self-organized marathons, in preparation for upcoming challenges.
Rui is a 48-year-old entrepreneur with 25 years of experience, currently leading the world’s largest immigration firm. A seasoned runner with 12 years of dedication, Rui has completed 40 full marathons, including the prestigious 777 Marathon in Taiwan, as well as two 100-kilometer trail races. Through running, Rui seeks to rediscover a passion for life, not as part of a midlife crisis, but as a journey to uncover the true meaning and purpose of life.
Xiaoyan is a multi-sport enthusiast who enjoys cooking and traveling. She loves extreme and unusual activities that push her beyond her limits. Endurance sports have become an integral part of her life in recent years. After completing the Kona Ironman World Championships in 2023, she looks forward to rewarding herself with the 777 journey. Triathlons and marathons are a fantastic healthy excuse to indulge her love of travel.
Katrin Fleischer, born and living in Germany, is an avid runner who completed her first marathon in Honolulu in 2003. Since then, she has participated in many exciting races, including the Great Wall Marathon in China and the Inca Trail Marathon, embracing her passion for running and adventure.
Antonio Jose Emidio da Silva Francês was born in Lunda Sul, Angola, in 1972. He is married to Catarina Francês, and they have three children: Antonio, João, and Helena. After spending his youth in Europe, Antonio returned to Angola in 1993, where he has lived ever since, except for two years in Brazil during the intense civil war in his homeland.
Frédéric, a dedicated 35-year-old doctor specializing in infectious diseases, is passionate about both travel and sports. With a decade-long love for running, he has completed over 30 races, including the iconic 100km of Millau. The World Marathon Challenge is the culmination of two and a half years of relentless effort, and Frédéric is determined to see this extraordinary journey through to the finish line!
T. Clark Gamblin is a cancer surgeon and cancer survivor who is running to raise awareness for men's health and inspire others. He is suppported by an amazing wife, Jan, and three adult children. His fundraising is focused on the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation. Clark has completed the 6 Major Marathons of the world two years ago, and is grateful for the opportunity provided by corporate sponsors and the World Marathon Challenge.
Weicong, from Shanghai, China, is a finisher of all six Abbott World Marathon Majors. He enjoys swimming, hiking, running, and other outdoor activities. Since beginning his marathon journey in 2016, he has developed a deep passion for the sport and is now looking forward to the World Marathon Challenge.
TROTAMUNDO (WORLD TRAVELER)
Qizhen started running in 2016 and has achieved an impressive marathon personal best of 2 hours and 57 minutes.
Xiangyu, a lawyer from Shanghai, China, is a proud Abbott Six Star Finisher and successfully completed the Antarctic Ice Marathon in 2022. He now aspires to achieve the remarkable feat of completing the 777 Marathons!
is an avid trail runner, having completed around 150 mountain trail races. Recently, he has also taken up marathons and half-marathons. Alain has participated in notable events such as the Pyongyang Marathon in North Korea, the Lake Baikal Marathon in Siberia, the Antarctic Marathon two years ago, and the amateur marathon during the Olympic Games last August. In October 2023, he accomplished an impressive feat by running five half-marathons in five days across Central Asia. A football enthusiast and passionate Paris Saint-Germain supporter, Alain travels the world to cheer on his favorite team.
Raff is 19 years old and has already completed an Ultra in Antarctica and is the youngest Brit to complete the infamous 250km Marathon des Sables in the Sahara. Raf prefers to use his fathers unique training regime for events. which usually means he doesn't train! Raf is a fully qualified personal protection operator.
Scott is a dedicated physician practicing medicine in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Roll Tide!), where he resides with his wife, Laurie, and their two sons, Scott Jr. (17) and Jack (14). A passionate runner since 1996, Scott’s journey began with the Equinox Marathon in Fairbanks, Alaska, sparking a lifelong love for endurance sports. Over the years, he has completed numerous marathons and ultramarathons. Scott’s commitment to endurance training is a cornerstone of his approach to life, shaping his career and personal philosophy. As a physician, he focuses on preventive medicine, wellness, weight loss, and sports medicine, helping his patients achieve healthier, more active lifestyles. Together with his family, Scott champions the value of staying active and embracing wellness. Deeply rooted in faith, Scott and his family are active members of North River Church in Tuscaloosa Alabama. They are committed to living out their beliefs through local and global missions, embodying the ethos of “living sent.” Scott’s daily motto is simple yet profound: “God has a plan for your day—get up and get after it!”
Mengfei Liu was born in Beijing and grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia until the age of 9. Now a 7th grader at the International School of Beijing (ISB), Mengfei discovered her passion for running during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by her mother. She earned her first running medal in May 2021 at the annual Alex Wake Memorial 5K Run hosted by The Baldwin School. Since then, she has embraced running and hiking for meaningful causes. After returning to China in late 2021, Mengfei began participating in an annual 3-day, 76-kilometer hike in the Gobi Desert to support a “preterm infant assistance program,” completing the trek three years in a row from 2022 to 2024. She serves as the inaugural Youth Charity Communicator for the Chunmiao Charity Foundation and the inaugural Youth Gobi Desert Coach for the second generation of China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) alumni. Mengfei achieved her first half marathon in October 2022 at just 10 years old. In July 2024, at age 12, she completed the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) hike. Looking ahead, she plans to participate in the 777 Marathon Challenge in February 2025 and the North Pole Marathon in July 2025. Mengfei finds running across continents an incredible way to meet inspiring people from around the world and gain new perspectives. She hopes her journey will inspire preterm infants and young people, showing them that life is a miracle and that anyone can make a difference. Outside of running and hiking, Mengfei enjoys reading, traveling, learning Spanish as her third language, and writing her first book.
Ying Liu is a business leader from China who discovered her passion for running during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since beginning her journey in May 2020, Ying has run approximately 10,000 kilometers, completed five of the six World Marathon Majors, and achieved her longest distance with a 70-kilometer ultra trail run at the "Chongli Ultra Trail 2024." She is continually amazed by what she has accomplished through running. What Ying values most from this journey is the inspiration it has brought to her family, including her daughter, who has joined her in running. Taking on the 777 Challenge is her next bold endeavor, as she pushes her limits and embraces the power of belief in achieving extraordinary goals.
Stéphane is participating in this race to raise funds for the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation, a renowned children's hospital. This cause is deeply meaningful to Stéphane, as his son, Thomas, was born at CHU Sainte-Justine and spent considerable time there due to a polymalformative syndrome. Now 10 years old, Thomas is healthy and thriving. Stéphane's fundraising effort is a heartfelt way to give back to the hospital that provided life-saving care and support to his family.
Alessandro Maraniello (artist name Alessandro Mara), real estate manager, in the past, Italian singer-songwriter, rose to fame in the mid-90s with songs like Chiara, Ci Sarò, and Attimi, which he performed at the Sanremo Music Festival. After more than thirty years far from the music scene, Alessandro returns with his new single “Freedom”, inspired by the World Marathon Challenge, as a pop track self-produced. Today, alongside his music career, Alessandro is also an ambassador for the Italian National Singers' Association. With his project @marathoniello, Alessandro became a charity runner for the Amilcare’ s Swiss foundation. Through his project @Marathoniello, he seeks to inspire others to live each day with passion, always striving for their best, while keeping an eye out for those in need of support or even just a bit of attention. To push his limits, he has decided to take on a physically, mentally, and logistically demanding challenge: running the World Marathon Challenge 2025. For those interested, more information is available at www.marathoniello.com.
Wyatt Moss is an adventure traveler and adrenaline seeker who shares his challenges and journeys on social media. In 2024, he achieved the incredible feat of running a marathon in all 50 states. Now, as he embarks on the World Marathon Challenge -7 Marathons 7 Continents 7 Days - he admits it’s a bit daunting, but he’s exited and ready for the adventure!
Megan is embracing a significant milestone by taking on the World Marathon Challenge at the age of 50. She views this remarkable endeavor as a meaningful and empowering way to celebrate her 50th birthday, showcasing her determination and adventurous spirit.
Jeff Nance is an OB/GYN with a passion for global health and empowering women in all aspects of reproductive care. Married to his best friend and biggest supporter, he is the proud father of six incredible kids. He runs a busy solo practice while also advocating for organizations like the Ouelessebougou Alliance, which provides life-changing pelvic organ prolapse repairs worldwide. His work in Mali, Africa, and La Paz, Bolivia, has profoundly shaped his life and perspective. Now, he’s running the World Marathon Challenge to raise awareness and support for these vital causes.
Alan Nawoj is an accomplished tech startup founder, CEO, and entrepreneur who resides in San Diego, California, with his wife and four kids. Alan received his B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University (summa cum laude) and his M.S. in Computer Science from Harvard University. He is passionate about solving challenging problems through the innovative use of technology. Alan is a lifelong endurance athlete who has completed 30 full marathons to date, including one on each of the seven continents and five Boston Marathons. Alan was the overall winner of the 2013 Antarctica Marathon, and he held the Guinness World Record for the fastest male aggregate marathon time on seven continents from 2014 to 2018. He is excited to push his limits in the World Marathon Challenge and will be honoring his late Mom in this event while also raising funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Yusheng has completed over 450 marathon and ultramarathon races, including more than twenty 100k races and four 100-mile races, spanning all seven continents and over 80 countries and regions. He has achieved over 130 sub-3-hour marathons, with a personal best of 2:42. Yusheng has also completed the World Marathon Majors more than five times, participating in 31 races with an impressive average best time of 2:45 across the six majors, and securing 30 championship titles. In the summer of 2024, Yusheng completed the North Pole Marathon, famously known as the “World’s Coolest Marathon.” Just three months later, in November, he triumphed in the 100km race at the 2024 Antarctic Ice Ultra, finishing in 10 hours and 42 minutes. In December, at the 2025 Antarctic Ice Marathon & 100k, he set a new event, course, and continental record for the 100km with an extraordinary time of 9 hours, 20 minutes, and 28 seconds. Looking ahead, Yusheng is eagerly preparing for the 2025 World Marathon Challenge. Beyond his exceptional achievements as a runner, he is the Chairman of Shenzhen Yuanteng Investment and Development Company, a leader in real estate construction and financial investment.
Tianyi, a 16-year-old student from Beijing, started his running journey while living in Canada from age 7 to 10. During that time, he completed an impressive 49 races, including 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and two full marathons: the first in 3 hours and 47 minutes at age 9, and the second in 4 hours and 2 minutes at age 10. After returning to China, Tianyi took a break from racing but resumed in 2024, completing 10 half marathons to prepare for the 777 challenge.
Paris Norriss is an explorer who brings adventures to life on screen through his various TV shows. Paris is currently filming “Guy in the Sky”, an adventure travel show that tells the story of some of the most interesting civilizations through time, across the globe, using his love for adventure sports to capture unique viewpoints from the sky, below the sea and across landscapes. He has dived to lost shipwrecks, dug for archeological artifacts below the city of Jerusalem and paraglided over ancient citadels. Paris's determination knows no bounds. In a remarkable feat, he triumphantly completed a rowing challenge across the Pacific Ocean in 2023, firmly establishing himself as one of the select few to conquer the arduous 4,800-kilometer journey, whilst raising £150,000 for The Blue Marine Foundation to support marine conservation. Telling his exhilarating stories of the adventures he has had through filming his TV shows, he draws on some critical lessons on the principals of teamwork, leadership, mental fortitude and gratitude. As an advocate for adventure sports, Paris is a global ambassador for Padi and Cressi for scuba diving and Parajet for Paramotoring. He has also secure sponsorships from world renowned brands such as Land Rover, Tagheuer & Oakley. Paris’ shows are broadcast in 123 countries to over 22 million people on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Tubi TV and on a number of airlines including Emirates Airlines, British Airways, Etihad and many more. Paris is regularly featured in international media as an advocate for adventure travel and has a weekly segment on Dubai Eye radio, a monthly business column in The National newspaper and frequently a keynote speaker at live events on the subject.
Lisa started running marathons later in life and has completed 77 marathons since 2010, including the Abbott Majors and 7 continents (Antarctica on King George Island). At 68, she expects to be the oldest runner in this group. While she would have liked to have a few ultras under her belt going into the WMC, she feels it’s now or never, so she’s been doing her best to train for it and is looking forward to the adventure. Lisa is a retired lawyer and a classical musician. Through her participation in WMC, she raising money for ETM-LA (Education through Music), a Los Angeles-based organization that provides and promotes
Cosmin, an entrepreneur from Belgium, lives with his wife, four children, and their dog, Murphy. As the owner of a successful roofing company, he thrives on pushing limits—both his own and those around him. Passionate about mountaineering, Cosmin has recently taken up running and plans to tackle the WMC 777, despite having no prior marathon experience.
Tony Rich is the Founder and Managing Director of EventHorizon endurance sport which he started in 2011. He's a level II USA Triathlon Certified Coach and and IRONMAN Certified Coach. Tony has completed over 100 long course events including several IRONMAN finishes and 20 consecutive Boston Marathons. Tony holds the Guiness World Record for the fastest Iron distance triathlon completed indoors.
Molly Sheridan is an ultra-marathon runner, coach, speaker, author of Running Past Midnight and CEO of Desert Sky Adventures. Molly has run over 85 ultramarathons, including Marathon des Sables across the Sahara Desert and The Badwater 135 Ultramarathon through Death Valley. She is also an Abbott World Marathon 6 Star Finisher. Molly is the first American woman to run 222kilometers through the Himalayas in the race event La Ultra The High. Her goal running 777 is to raise funds for three incredible charities, Swataleem, Surewave and 261 Fearless ( Instagram @ mollysheridanruns)
Casey is a passionate father, entrepreneur, and marathoner from New Jersey, with a total of 56 marathons completed across the globe. A dedicated runner for 15 years, Casey’s journey has taken him to every state in the U.S., where he has completed a marathon in each one. In addition to his impressive marathon record, Casey is also proud of his remarkable streak of running at least two miles every day for over 4,000 consecutive days. This commitment to daily training reflects his belief in perseverance, discipline, and the power of consistent effort. As a single dad to an 8-year-old boy Brady, Casey’s motivation goes beyond personal achievement. His son is his constant inspiration, and through this journey, Casey hopes to show him that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and the courage to pursue big goals. Casey’s participation in the 2025 World Marathon Challenge is the next step in his ongoing quest to push the limits of what’s possible, both for himself and for his son. With each race, Casey continues to inspire others to dream big, set ambitious goals, and never give up. Casey would also like to sincerely thank Trinity Solar, as well as all those who contributed through his Find A Way organization to make this experience possible.
Rob Tetrault is entrepreneur, father of four, philanthropist and motivational speaker who enjoys running. He's also the host of The Running Journey podcast, where he shares inspiring stories of transformation and resilience. Rob was seriously overweight and not running at all just four years ago. Since then, he has undergone a profound personal transformation, evolving into a passionate and dedicated runner who loves spreading his love of running to all. Rob has run across his home province of Manitoba—24 half marathons in 12 days—and New Brunswick—13 marathons in 13 consecutive days. He has also competed in the Ironman World Championships, the Boston Marathon, and numerous ultra-distance events. At his core, Rob simply loves running. He thrives on trying new challenges and embraces the thrill of being out on the road or trail every day. His passion isn’t just about finishing races but about living life fully, with joy, gratitude, and a willingness to give anything a try. For Rob, running is a way of connecting with the world, celebrating his journey, and finding new reasons to smile every day.
Charles Tetrault is a marathoner, Ironman finisher, and running enthusiast. He discovered his passion for running in 2015 after completing his first marathon, a goal he once thought impossible. Since then, Charles has achieved significant milestones, including qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon, completing his first Ironman, and earning a sub-10-hour Ironman finish. As co-host of The Running Journey podcast with his brother, he shares his love for the sport. Currently, he is embracing the challenge of 7 Marathons, 7 Continents, 7 Days to celebrate the endless possibilities that running offers.
John is a married father of three children who resides in Winter Park, Florida. For work, he is the Co-founding General Partner of Arsenal Growth Equity, a tech-focused private equity firm. He has run over 30 marathons and enjoys mountaineering, golf and skiing in his free time.
Juan Uro, born and raised in Argentina, has called New York City home for over 20 years. As a seasoned partner at Ernst & Young, he collaborates with C-suite leaders and boards on top-management topics. Although Juan began running later in life, he has become a dedicated runner who embodies resilience and passion. His journey as a runner started a couple of decades ago, and he has since completed several marathons, including his favorite race, the NYC marathon, which he has run over 10 times. For Juan, running is more than just a hobby; it is a way to connect with his inner self, find clarity, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. His early morning runs through the bustling streets of New York City or the serene trails of Central Park provide moments of solitude and reflection, fueling his day with energy and focus. Marathons hold a special significance for Juan as they allow him to connect with his son, Bauti, who passed away in 2010. Crossing the finish line is always a celebration shared with his wife, Mariela, and his daughter, Isabella. Juan's running journey serves as a reminder that with passion and perseverance, we can strive to achieve our personal best in every aspect of our lives.
Estefanía, the current Spanish champion in the 100k, is a seasoned marathon runner with an impressive record of 26 marathons completed around the world. A proud mom of eight and the owner of a thriving cosmetic brand, she balances her athletic pursuits with entrepreneurship and family life. Passionate about sharing her adventures, Estefanía connects with her 1.5 million followers on Instagram (@Verdeliss), inspiring others with her journey of perseverance, love, and ambition.
Smita Warrier was born in Mumbai, India but has lived in the US all her adult life. She calls Charlotte home and is supported in all her active endeavors by her amazing husband and 2 sons. She is a dentist by profession and loves helping people smile. She began running 15 years ago and has only done 2 marathons, but several ultra-marathons, countless half-marathons and 3 Half-Ironmans. She is raising funds through her non-profit, Miles For Change, to benefit impoverished girls' education in Mumbai, India. She feels passionately about this cause and is honored to be doing the World Marathon Challenge while being a positive role model for these kids.
Cyril is a tennis and paddle enthusiast taking on a new challenge with the 777 event. With no prior running training, he was inspired to participate by a friend's encouragement and enthusiasm. While completing seven marathons is beyond his usual capabilities, Cyril is determined to give it his best. For him, this journey is about creating lasting memories and connecting with fellow participants along the way.
Minghui is a retired commodity trader with a decade of running experience. A dedicated athlete, he is a proud finisher of all six World Marathon Majors.
Rong is an avid marathon runner and investor who has completed six of the World Marathon Majors. Starting with the Boston and Berlin Marathons in 2019, Rong continued with the Tokyo and Chicago Marathons in 2023, and the London and New York Marathons in 2024. Currently aiming for a personal best of 3:45, Rong looks forward to completing the seventh Major, the Sydney Marathon, in 2025. For Rong, marathons represent a journey of self-discovery and resilience, embracing challenges with every step while maintaining a healthy running habit and a deep appreciation for life.
Liu is a dedicated endurance athlete who began running marathons in 2017. In 2022, Liu achieved the prestigious Six Star Finisher status by completing all six World Marathon Majors. Taking on new challenges, Liu successfully completed the grueling Tor des Géants 330-kilometer ultramarathon in 2023, showcasing remarkable determination and resilience.
Mrs. Hong Zhang moved to Tokyo in 2009 for work, where she discovered running through friends she met at local parks. It was during this time that she learned that ordinary people could run marathons, sparking her interest. Inspired by her Japanese running friends, she began running and learned about the Marathon Majors. At the time, Mrs. Zhang had been saving for 10 years to purchase an Hermès bag, but she decided that completing the six World Marathon Majors would be far more meaningful. She used her savings to pursue this dream and began participating in marathons in 2011. Through persistence and dedication, she achieved her goal in 2014, completing all six Majors. Her marathon journey extended beyond the Majors as she participated in numerous European marathons, including the Copenhagen Marathon, Jungfrau Marathon in Switzerland, Stockholm Marathon, and Prague Marathon. She later joined Runbuk-organized events, completing the Antarctic Ice Marathon in 2022 and the North Pole Marathon in 2024, both of which she found deeply meaningful. Reflecting on her running journey, Mrs. Zhang believes her decision to focus on marathons was absolutely the right one. Running has enriched her life, broadened her horizons, strengthened her willpower, and, most importantly, improved her physical health—she rarely falls ill. The 2025 World Marathon Challenge, spanning seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, is her gift to herself for her 60th birthday. Whether or not she completes the challenge, she is confident it will be an extraordinary experience. For Mrs. Zhang, life is made colorful and fulfilling through diverse experiences like these.
Zhiwei, from Xi’an, China, home to the famous Terracotta Warriors, is an executive in the electricity distribution cabinet and fast-charging station sector. He discovered running later in life and is currently pursuing the Abbott World Marathon Majors. He is thrilled about participating in the upcoming World Marathon Challenge.
Zhen Xin is a 17-year-old marathon enthusiast with a deep passion for long-distance running. Born on February 7th, Zhen sees this birthday as particularly meaningful, coinciding with the conclusion of the 777 race—a symbolic coming-of-age gift and the realization of a lifelong dream. Zhen’s marathon journey began at the age of 11, completing a first marathon in August of that year and a second one by the end of the same month. Since then, marathons have become a defining part of Zhen’s life and passion.
To be added in due course.