Student is youngest to run seven major marathons

2 hours ago7 min read1 comments

In an extraordinary testament to the resilience of the human spirit, Lucy Scott, a 20-year-old history student from the University of Nottingham, has sprinted into the record books, becoming the youngest person ever to conquer the seven major marathons and claim the coveted Seven Star Medal. This isn't just a story about physical endurance; it's a narrative woven with familial bonds, personal discovery, and the sheer, unadulterated power of a single decision.Announced by Abbott World Marathon Majors, Lucy's achievement was sealed when she crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon on November 2nd, capping an intense 18-month global odyssey that saw her pounding the pavement in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and Sydney. What makes her journey so profoundly inspirational is its origin—a complete novice, she laced up her running shoes for the first time during her freshman year of university, a mere stepping-off point for what would become a global pilgrimage.'It's the best thing I've ever done,' she reflects, a simple statement that belies the thousands of training miles and the mental fortitude required to transform from a beginner to a record-holder. Her motivation is deeply personal, a flame lit by her father, John Scott, whose own marathon ambitions were heartbreakingly halted by injury just as he was pursuing the original Six Star Medal, missing his chance at Tokyo and Boston.In a beautiful act of carrying the torch, Lucy not only followed in his footsteps but was accompanied every step of the way by her parents, who traversed the globe to cheer her on, creating a shared experience that, as Lucy poignantly noted, they loved as much as she did. This story also highlights the evolving landscape of marathon running itself; the Six Star Medal was only instituted in 2016 to honor finishers of the core six events, with Sydney's addition as a seventh major in November 2024 creating the new, even more exclusive Seven Star tier that Lucy now dominates.Beyond the personal glory, she has harnessed her running for profound good, raising an impressive £7,685 for The Essex Disabled Sport Foundation during the 2024 TCS London Marathon, proving that the true finish line is often the impact one leaves on the world. And for Lucy Scott, the race is far from over.With an eye on balancing university life and fundraising, she plans to tackle her third London Marathon in April 2026 and has already set her sights on a future, yet-to-be-formalized Nine Star Medal, which would incorporate the Cape Town and Shanghai marathons. 'If I can get a place, I would love to do that,' she says, her words echoing the quiet determination of an athlete who has already redefined the limits of the possible, reminding us all that the most incredible journeys often begin with a single, courageous step into the unknown.

#featured

#Lucy Scott

#Seven Star Medal

#Abbott World Marathon Majors

#youngest finisher

#university student

#fundraising

#athletics achievement

Stay Informed. Act Smarter.

Get weekly highlights, major headlines, and expert insights — then put your knowledge to work in our live prediction markets.