My journey to becoming a six-star finisher With Sports Tours International

At 68 years old, Gary Tomkinson recently achieved a lifelong dream by earning his much-anticipated Six Star Medal at the Boston Marathon, his final stop on the journey through all six World Marathon Majors. We caught up with Gary post-race to reflect on the inspiring running journey that brought him to this remarkable milestone. Here’s what he had to say.

Starting from scratch: The early training

My marathon journey began back in 2011, sparked by my son Andrew’s decision to run the Paris Marathon for Marie Curie. We had lost an uncle to cancer and my wife Alison, our other son Michael and I all travelled to Paris to support Andrew. After the race, Michael asked if I fancied running the BMW Berlin Marathon the following year. Without really thinking it through, I said yes and that’s how I started training for marathons at age 55, despite not having run since secondary school.

To get started, I signed up for a 9-week Couch to 5K program and joined a local running club. In preparation for Berlin, I ran several local half marathons to build endurance and confidence. The BMW Berlin Marathon was an unforgettable experience, from the expo at Tempelhof Airport to the flat, scenic course weaving through the city’s famous landmarks. Although it was a fantastic first marathon, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do another.

Charity running 

The following year, I was offered a charity place in the TCS London Marathon with SENSE, a charity supporting people with complex disabilities including deaf blindness. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and raised £2,500. In 2014, I ran the Paris Marathon, this time alongside Andrew. Although I finished the marathon, it was a tough experience and I realized that marathons are just as mentally challenging as they are physical, especially for a 57-year-old beginner.

The BMW Berlin Marathon take two

For a while, my enthusiasm for marathons waned. But in 2021, while visiting my son Michael in Berlin the day after the marathon, I saw countless runners proudly wearing their medals and jackets. That sparked something in me, I wanted to have another go. I entered the 2022 Berlin ballot and was thrilled to get a place. I loved the experience so much that I ran Berlin again in 2023. It’s flat course and amazing crowd support made it a favourite.

Chasing the Abbott World Marathon Majors

By then, the Abbott World Marathon Majors had become my goal. I wanted to travel and see what I could achieve across the globe. When I found out Sports Tours International had entries for the 2023 New York Marathon, I signed up. It was my first visit to the US in 40 years, and I absolutely loved the buzz of the city that never sleeps. The race itself was tough, widely regarded as the hardest of the six majors (due to its hilly route and steep bridges), but finishing it with incredible crowd support was unforgettable, the atmosphere throughout is something every runner must experience!

A unique experience at the Tokyo Marathon

In 2024, I was fortunate to secure a spot for the Tokyo Marathon through Sports Tours. The experience was incredible. Staying at a 5-star hotel near the start line alongside elite and disability athletes made me feel like I was in with all the action. Sports Tours offer a ‘twin to share’ option for runners traveling solo that want to cut the cost, I shared a room with another runner, and we became lifelong friends! Tokyo was unique, with strict course rules, cut-off times and polite but quiet spectators who clap rather than cheer. We even experienced three minor earthquakes while there! It was a different vibe from London or New York, but special in its own way.

Checking off the Chicago Marathon

Having completed four of the World Marathon Majors, I booked a place with Sports Tours for the Chicago Marathon in autumn 2024, my fifth major ticked off. That left one big question: how would I complete the final and oldest major, Boston? I knew qualifying times were out of reach and Sports Tours had limited entries. Thankfully, my ongoing loyalty and multiple races with them earned me a place for Boston 2025.

The Boston Marathon: The Unicorn Race

Running the Boston Marathon, the oldest and most iconic marathon in the world, was a privilege. Sharing the start line with some of the world’s best athletes and legends like Paula Radcliffe, who was also chasing her six-star medal, made the experience even more special. The Boston Athletic Association organized a flawless weekend and my only goal was to enjoy the race and finish within the 5:30 pm cutoff to claim my six-star medal.

The weather was warmer than expected and the first half of the race was mostly downhill with some rolling hills. The crowds were loud and enthusiastic, especially along the famous Wellesley College “scream tunnel” where about a thousand girls cheered me on and one even gave me a peck on the cheek! Around mile 16, I was boosted by the Sports Tours cheering station where my wife and the reps were waiting. The infamous Newton Hills loomed ahead.

When I crested Heartbreak Hill at mile 21, I knew the hardest part was over and the last five miles were mostly downhill. I started high fiving everyone, soaking up the cheers and chanting back with the crowds. I felt like a rock star, and got emotional, realizing what I was about to achieve. Crossing the finish line at 5:23 pm, I was greeted warmly by volunteers and proudly received both my Boston and six-star medals.

Reflecting on the six-star Journey

Many have asked if I’ll run another marathon. The honest answer is no. Having completed the original six-star challenge at age 68, I’m ready to focus on maintaining fitness with the Super Half series across Europe. Reflecting on this journey, I know it wouldn’t have been possible without my wife Alison, who’s travelled and supported me through five majors, our sons Andrew and Michael who encouraged me every step of the way, the amazing Sports Tours International team, the incredible support from spectators and volunteers, and my dedicated coaches Ben and Mary at This Messy Happy.

I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and hope my story inspires other “non-athletes” to take up running and experience the joy of crossing that finish line, and maybe even feel like a rock star. See you at the Super Half’s with Sports Tours International!