A sixth marathon for Lauren!

A huge thank you to every tiny change maker who takes on a challenge to raise money for Tiny Changes, your running (and rolling, swimming, jumping) really does help keep this charity running.

One fundraiser we wanted to raise an extra special toast to is Lauren, who not only flew over the US to complete the London marathon but it was also her 6th major worldwide marathon, having previously completed the Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, and New York events!

Only around 20,000 runners out of the millions who have conquered a Marathon have ever completed all six, and it’s a huge accomplishment for Lauren. So much so, in fact, that she was awarded an extra special medal at the end of her London marathon to mark her incredible achievement. We grabbed her for a quick chat about her story and her incredible achievement.

Hi Lauren! Can you introduce yourself to the Tiny Changes community?

I’m Lauren, from the US (originally Colorado, now Portland, Oregon). I did live in the UK in the mid-90s so I would like to think I’m not a stereotypical American! Congratulations on completing the London marathon! How are you feeling after Sunday’s big run? Not too bad, actually, though I’m currently in Inverness and am 50% jealous of those running along the river and 50% absolutely horrified that someone would think running is a good idea.

What was your favourite moments of the day?

There were many favorite moments but the one that sticks out the most is that I crossed the finish line next to a Chinese man that was also going for his 6 star medal. After we were given them I congratulated him and he had the biggest smile on his face. It soon became apparent that we did not share a single word in language but we were able to celebrate each other’s achievement. The world needs more of this!

I had a goal of completing the 6 World Major Marathons and I’ve been working on and off towards it for the past 13 years. I first started running when I was living in London and was going through a divorce, so finishing it in London was a chance to come back to where it started for me and honor that.

What led you to fundraising for Tiny Changes?

Scott Hutchison. I was a big Frightened Rabbit fan and while I never met the band, like many others I felt a very strong connection to their music and the lyrics. I couldn’t listen to their music until I saw a Frank Turner video in which he said something to the effect of it being important to a songwriter for their music to live on. So I now do what I can to have Scott live on as he made a beautiful contribution to the world.

I didn’t have a charity bib for the London Marathon and thought that I could use the opportunity to raise money even if I didn’t have to. I love the concept behind Tiny Changes as it isn’t so much about older people dictating what younger people need but supporting younger people to be able to produce what they need. In my job I encounter a lot of death and see many grieving families and if there is even one less person that has been able to redirect their path that was leading to the end I think it is a huge accomplishment. Scottish youth deserve this just like anyone anywhere.

What’s next for you, now you’ve completed the six marathons?

I’m actually not quite sure! Abbott recently added a 7th World Major (Sydney) so I might consider that. London was actually my 15th marathon so I feel like it is becoming sort of a habit…