British long-distance running legend Paula Radcliffe has achieved a remarkable milestone by earning the prestigious Six Star Medal, awarded to runners who complete all six of the world’s major marathons. This honor was sealed after the four-time Olympian crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon.
At 51 years old, Radcliffe completed the challenging Boston course in an impressive time of 2 hours, 53 minutes, and 44 seconds. This performance placed her 117th out of 12,447 women who participated in the event, a testament to her enduring athleticism and determination despite retiring from competitive racing nearly a decade ago.
The Six Star Medal is a coveted award in the global running community, granted to athletes who have successfully finished the six major marathons in the world: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. By completing the Boston Marathon, Radcliffe has now joined this elite group of runners who have conquered each of these iconic races.
Radcliffe, who officially stepped away from competitive running in 2015, returned to the marathon scene in March of this year when she participated in the Tokyo Marathon. That event marked her first marathon in ten years, reigniting her passion for long-distance running and paving the way for her to complete the final marathon she needed to earn the Six Star distinction.
Over the course of her illustrious career, Radcliffe carved out a place for herself as one of the greatest marathoners in history. She held the women’s marathon world record for an extraordinary 16 years, setting a blistering time of 2:15:25 in 2003. Her record was eventually surpassed in 2019 by Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, who clocked a time of 2:14:04 at the Chicago Marathon. Still, Radcliffe’s achievement remained a historic benchmark for over a decade and a half.
In addition to her long-standing world record, Radcliffe’s marathon legacy includes a trio of victories at both the London and New York City marathons. She also triumphed at the Chicago Marathon in 2002, further cementing her status as one of the dominant forces in the sport during her prime.
Radcliffe’s connection to the Boston Marathon extends far beyond this latest race. More than three decades ago, she claimed her first international medal in Boston when she captured gold in the junior race at the 1992 World Cross Country Championships. That victory marked the beginning of her rise on the international stage and set the foundation for a career filled with record-breaking performances and marathon victories.
This year’s Boston Marathon was notable for more than just Radcliffe’s milestone. The women’s elite race saw Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi take first place in a spectacular performance. Lokedi crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 22 seconds, shattering the previous women’s course record of 2:19:59 that had stood since 2014. Her achievement represented a breakthrough in Boston Marathon history, trimming more than two-and-a-half minutes off the existing record and asserting her dominance on the global marathon stage.
In the men’s elite race, another Kenyan runner, John Korir, claimed victory with a finishing time of 2:04:45. Korir’s performance further highlighted Kenya’s continued excellence in long-distance running, as the country maintained its legacy of producing world-class marathon champions.
Radcliffe’s return to marathon running and completion of the Six Star series has inspired fans and fellow athletes alike. Her enduring love for the sport, combined with her competitive spirit, remains evident in her ability to perform at a high level even years after retiring from professional racing.
In achieving the Six Star Medal, Radcliffe joins a growing number of runners from around the world who have set out to complete the full slate of world marathon majors. For many, earning this medal represents the pinnacle of personal endurance and commitment to the sport. For Radcliffe, it adds yet another accomplishment to a career already filled with extraordinary feats.
Her participation in the Boston Marathon not only capped her Six Star journey but also served as a homecoming of sorts to the city where her international success first began. The significance of that connection was not lost on observers, who recognized the full-circle nature of Radcliffe’s latest achievement.
Radcliffe has long been a source of inspiration for aspiring runners. Her resilience, focus, and unmatched work ethic helped her overcome injuries and setbacks throughout her career. Even now, years after stepping away from professional competition, she continues to motivate athletes by showing that age is no barrier to achieving great things in sport.
Reflecting on Radcliffe’s career, it is impossible to ignore the sheer breadth of her accomplishments. From setting world records to dominating major marathons, and now to completing all six of the marathon majors, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in distance running. Her performance in Boston underscores her status as a living legend in the sport.
Although the Boston Marathon was not about competing for the podium this time around, Radcliffe’s run was every bit as meaningful. It was a celebration of endurance, of dedication to the sport, and of the journey that brought her to this point. Her finish time of 2:53:44 would be impressive for any amateur runner, but for Radcliffe, it was about much more than the clock—it was about completing a personal goal and commemorating a lifelong passion.
With the Six Star Medal now in her possession, Radcliffe’s marathon story has a fitting new chapter—one that honors both her historic past and her ongoing connection to the sport she helped elevate.
“Running will always be a part of who I am,” Radcliffe said previously about her relationship with the sport. Her performance in Boston, decades after her first taste of international success, reflects the truth of those words.
As thousands of runners from around the world continue to chase their own Six Star dreams, Paula Radcliffe’s journey stands as a shining example of excellence, perseverance, and the enduring power of passion.