Legendary Massey runner Sonia was recently crowned the first Massey to have completed the six major marathons. This is her story.
This is a story about setting goals, training consistently, staying motivated, having determination and self-belief, and chasing dreams.
December 2017 and I got an early Christmas present – a club ballot place for the London Marathon. In April 2018, after training support and advice from my running buddy, Angela, I ran my first marathon in 5:30:06. We quickly signed up for our next marathon together and 6 months later I ran 4:52:44 at Chester. Fast forward three years and now running my 7th marathon, I got a 23-minute PB with 4:29:35.
The following year aged 60, I needed another sub 4:30 to qualify for a Good for Age London marathon place. My training plan targeted a 4:15 finish and I pushed to 4:05:28 in October 2022.
Suddenly and unexpectedly, I had qualified Good for Age (GFA) for most of the Abbott WMM races, including the iconic Boston, with two “exceptions”.
New York, where the number of GFA entrants meant my qualifying time of 4:23 actually needed to be nearer 3:45.
And Tokyo, that doesn’t operate a GFA entry system.
Unfortunately, I have never been lucky in the ordinary ballots for any WMM. Sadly, and with a huge number of applications, New York was no different at my second time of trying. By pure chance I heard about another route into the race by way of buying a marathon “experience” entry from a race sponsor. I happily paid this because it was cheaper than Marathon Tour companies and the money was donated to an environmental charity.
The Tokyo application process proved equally difficult. I tried their charity entry route first but my “bid” didn’t get me a place. I tried their ordinary ballot (for the second year) but, as usual, I didn’t get in. I tried another ballot entry through the Abbott WMM extra draw for 4/5-star holders but still no luck.
I didn’t give up hope but instead I made enquiries to buy a race sponsor marathon “experience” again by way of a charitable donation. Unfortunately, I was told that this was not available and that other options had already been taken or were for Japanese residents only. However, the race sponsor asked if I was interested in being an ambassador for them, with no guarantees that I would be selected. At this point I really didn’t know what was involved as an ambassador, other than I would have to do it at my own expense.
Several emails and two online interviews later, the race sponsor told me on December 23rd that I had won my entry as a sponsor ambassador. It honestly was my best Christmas present ever!
I had never stopped marathon training after New York in November 2024 so the Tokyo marathon preparation for March 2nd 2025 was well underway. However, training was abruptly interrupted at 15 miles on a January long run with an injury that I didn’t see coming – arthritis in my left big toe.
I was gutted but navigated my options of private podiatrists and physiotherapists, while using an elliptical trainer to try to keep up some fitness. Three weeks later and with custom made orthotics, I was back running but was advised to only try a few gentle runs and a 5 miler was then my longest run ahead of my trip to Japan.
Two weeks before the Tokyo Marathon and after no other contact from the race sponsor, I was sent a filming and interview schedule, politely and courteously requesting my attendance at the Expo, a pre-race shakeout run (I suggested a Parkrun) and on marathon day itself.
I was under the impression that I was one of several ambassadors. Instead, I turned up at the Expo, was given a bag with sponsor T-shirt and jacket and other goodies, and then met two much younger runners. Soon we were talking about our running experience etc. Imagine my surprise when I learnt that Tyson was a well-known triathlete from Taiwan and Mia a Japanese athlete and Instagram influencer.
Filming and interviews at the Expo took about 4 hours; there were takes and retakes at bib pickup, looking around the merchandise shop and then “buying” something of our choice. (I chose a buff – another gift from the sponsor.)
During takes, Tyson and Mia happily posed for selfies and gave autographs to visitors at the Expo. People must have been wondering who on earth was the old lady with these two celebrities! It was both bizarre and quite funny at the same time. I could not believe that I was so lucky to be in Tokyo with the opportunity to get my 6th star medal. So, I just tried to absorb the whole experience with these two amazing athletes, the lovely film crew and their entourage. Then, once filming finished, I just had time to visit the Abbott WMM stand, and purely by chance bumped into and chatted to the one and only Robert Wang.
IYKYK
Two days later there was more filming at the Parkrun, before during and after, plus another interview. The sponsor team and film crew were incredulous as they had no idea of Parkrun’s existence and the running community it attracted. I met up with old friends, including Jonny, Ruth C (both ready for their 6-star medal), Steph and Ruth N, Clive and met many more lovely runners and volunteers.
That was followed by more filming and interviews on marathon day itself – before, during and after the race. As well as having a videographer track me the whole race, the race sponsor also attached a micro camera to my vest and I filmed the first 10 minutes and the final 1km.
With an unexpected heat wave (btw it snowed the very next day!) and a lack of race preparation, I had to dig deep to finish within the 9 course cut offs. But at least I had an early start because it got very warm, very quickly. I chatted to other runners, including one desperately trying to pin his bib back on and who was happy that I had spare pins to give him.
There were plenty of water and aid stations and I tried different delicacies like pickled plums, doll pancakes and even their electrolyte sports drink, Pocari Sweat – much tastier than it sounds.
Instead of racing I tried to take in the Tokyo sights, the lovely crowd support and amazing performances along the route and just enjoy the event. Crowds cheered politely and respectfully, called out my name and offered sweets and giant strawberries. The whole experience felt surreal but I was just so grateful to be there and have the chance to get my 6th star.
When anyone asks which is the best marathon of all the Abbott world majors my answer is easy:
Embrace the differences and enjoy the moment and simply be grateful for the opportunity of running each marathon.
Marathon over, the film crew were there as I got my 6-star medal, along with Mr K who had been given a VIP spot in the grandstand finish. I was interviewed for the final time and had photos with all my medals and 6-star medal. An unbelievable moment.
This is a story about chasing your dreams. Better still, it is a story about meeting some wonderful runners and volunteers along the way, making friendships in the running community, supporting and encouraging other runners in their journey, embracing the differences of each race and maybe, inspiring others to start their own running journey.
– Sonia Karamat
