What Is a Multi-Marathoner?
Definition
A multi-marathoner is an athlete who has completed 100 or more official marathons, or is committed to the journey. Most are members of regional 100 Marathon Clubs, which provide a verification service, a social network as well as celebrating members achievements and milestones.
This study focuses on these multimarathoners who often continue competing well into later life — a unique population for exploring the effects of lifelong endurance training.
Global Community
-
~20,000 multi-marathoners worldwide
- 31 regional 100 marathon clubs globally (UK, Ireland, Germany, Finland, Japan, USA, etc.).
- Speciality clubs e.g. countries completed
- The multimarathon Global ranking lists over 1000 runners with 300+ marathon completions.
Ref: 100 Marathon Club Japan (2024). World MegaMarathon Ranking 300+.
https://full-hyaku.amebaownd.com/pages/7518755/page_202312231517
Who They Are
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | Average age: 53 years; many continue running in their 60s, 70s, and 80s |
| Gender | ~60% men and ~40% women |
| Motivations | Value lifestyle, travel, and community over performance |
| Participation Level | 1 in 8 complete a marathon almost every week |
| Culture | Emphasises completion, camaraderie, and self-challenge rather than competition |
Ref: Lundy, L., & Reilly, R. B. (2024). Demographics, culture and participatory nature of multi-marathoning — An observational study highlighting issues with recommendations.
PLOS ONE, 19(5), e0302602. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302602
In Summary
Multi-marathoners represent a unique model of sustained participation in endurance sport — combining
- high physical activity levels,
- long-term motivation and discipline, and
- social and cultural belonging.
They are a living laboratory for understanding ageing, resilience, and performance over the lifespan.
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