KUALA LUMPUR — Running a marathon might seem like a daunting challenge for many, but running six in a single year can feel almost impossible.
Yet, Jeff Ross, an ultramarathon runner originally from Scotland, who now calls Malaysia home, is determined to make a difference through his 6 World Marathon Majors Challenge.
For Ross, running is more than just a hobby; it’s an integral part of his career. As the general manager of Fresh Events Asia, he has been at the forefront of organising several major sports events across Malaysia and Southeast Asia, including The Music Run, Powerman Malaysia, and RedLine Fitness Games.
Speaking to Scoop, Ross shared that the inspiration for his 6 World Marathon Majors Challenge came in 2022 during the pandemic, when he aimed to raise funds for Malaysian flood victims.
The challenge consists of two blocks of three events each. The first block took place in March and April, while the second block is set for September, October, and November.
“Back in 2022, I completed 22 marathons, and that was my first attempt at doing a sort of crazy challenge here in Malaysia.
“It’s a goal for some to complete one marathon, or even all of them in their lifetime. But only a few have managed to do all of them in one calendar year.
“I’ve always had my eye on attempting it, and I decided to go for it.
“It’s a combination of personal ambition and a desire to use this platform to raise money for charity,” Ross shared.
Through his challenge, Ross has raised hundreds of thousands of ringgit for organisations such as charity: water, Home of Hope, Suka Society, the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, and most recently, the National Heart Institute.
Ross is also encouraged by the growing enthusiasm for events in Malaysia, especially in the post-Covid landscape.
“Like most industries, it was incredibly hard for us—we made zero revenue for two years. However, there is a great appetite for events in Malaysia, and I’m proud to be part of that by offering high-quality events that people enjoy.
“We’ve been running The Music Run, typically held at the end of the year, which is a fun run for 20,000 people, followed by a concert—offering a unique experience.
“We also have Powerman, a duathlon (run-bike-run), and RedLine Fitness Games, which targets the gym market. That’s an indoor race through 12 workout stations—it can be quite intense but also great fun. It also features team events that you can do with friends, making it more accessible.
“I’m grateful to Malaysia for the incredible support they’ve shown for all my initiatives over the years,” Ross added.
The 6 World Marathon Majors Challenge includes races in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City, representing the pinnacle of achievement for distance runners.
Completing all six races is a rare honour, with only a select few athletes managing to do so within a single calendar year.
The next race in the challenge is scheduled for Berlin on September 29. — September 24, 2024