A Norfolk runner is closing in on completing an extraordinary quest to run all six of the world's major marathons in a year.

David Blackmore, a former Eastern Daily Press reporter, ran major marathons in Tokyo, Boston, London earlier this year, which was followed more recently by marathons in Berlin and Chicago.

David Blackmore after completing the Berlin MarathonDavid Blackmore after completing the Berlin Marathon (Image: David Blackmore)


Married father-of-three and TV journalist Mr Blackmore, 38, has just the New York marathon to complete on November 3 to realise his goal of crossing the finishing line of the six biggest major marathons in 2024.

He achieved a personal best course time at Tokyo, crossing the finish line in 3:42 before clocking 3:52 in challenging conditions in Boston, 3:43 in London - which was just six days after Boston, 3:43 in Berlin and 3:42 in Chicago, the latter being just nine seconds slower than Tokyo's effort.

He said juggling work and family commitments had been a challenge, while each race cost around £1,000 in travel and accommodation.

David Blackmore with his medal after completing the Boston MarathonDavid Blackmore with his medal after completing the Boston Marathon (Image: David Blackmore)

"It was also a challenge trying to get the best deals for flights and hotels," he said.

"Most involved a layover somewhere to keep the costs down but I was also lucky that I was able to keep accommodation costs down by staying with other runners, family and friends I knew in each of these cities.

"There was also only so much time I could take off this year so it was a balancing act to ensure I was in these cities long enough to see all the sights I wanted."

David Blackmore at the Chicago MarathonDavid Blackmore at the Chicago Marathon (Image: David Blackmore)

Mr Blackmore, from King's Lynn, has now completed 10 marathons since April 2022 after taking part in marathons in Brighton, Vienna, Atlanta, and Edinburgh in recent years.

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David Blackmore at the London MarathonDavid Blackmore at the London Marathon (Image: David Blackmore) "Running is a great way to test my personal limits and I enjoy finding ways to challenge myself," he said.

"Running is physically exhausting but mentally and emotionally recharging. There's nothing else quite like it, it's my sanity."

David Blackmore after completing the Tokyo MarathonDavid Blackmore after completing the Tokyo Marathon (Image: David Blackmore)