Mali Storan earns Six Star Medal after completing London Marathon
Mali Storan earned a hat-trick of medals after crossing the finish line at the Virgin Money London Marathon.
The Perse School purchase ledger supervisor clocked an impressive 3hr 35min 43sec to earn the medal for running the course, and she was also recognised for taking part in the women’s 55 to 59 category in the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Marathon Championships, which were incorporated into the London event.
But Storan’s most cherished accolade was the Six Star Medal.
It was awarded for completing all the World Marathon Majors.
She did the Berlin Marathon in 2017, the Boston and New York marathons in 2018, the Tokyo and Chicago marathons in 2019, and completed the set in London.
“I was delighted to get this special medal,” said Storan. “For the last 5km, I was just thinking about the medal and that kept me going. I wouldn’t allow myself to stop.
“Completing the six major marathons is a status symbol for marathon runners and it’s becoming a very popular thing to try to do.
“It’s very difficult though, and for a race such as Boston, it’s extremely hard to even get entry as you have to meet a qualifying time. For my age group it was under four hours, so I was able to get a place.”
Storan, who trains twice a week with Cambridge & Coleridge Athletic Club and did her first marathon in Amsterdam in 2011, explained that the New York event particularly stood out.
“It was just amazing. There was so much cheering and lots of bands playing music, you just forgot the pain because you felt like a superstar!” she said.
But London was not far behind.
“There was a great atmosphere and both runners and spectators enjoyed the live excitement of the event,” she added. “I think Londoners are really proud to have the marathon and we were cheered all the way.”
Storan will not be putting her feet up just yet as she will be taking part in the Paris Marathon on October 17.