Becky Naylor from Ripon has joined one of the most exclusive clubs in world marathon running, completing all Six World Marathon Majors.
Only 755 women in the UK and 8182 women worldwide have achieved this milestone, which involves running the London, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, Tokyo, and New York marathons. Becky completed her final race in New York this month, securing the coveted Six Star Medal.
Becky Naylor is the founder and director of Ripon-based digital marketing agency Bronco.
Her four-year marathon journey began in 2021 with a charity place for Muscular Dystrophy UK at the London Marathon, where she unexpectedly earned a sort after Boston Qualifying Time. From there, she ran Boston 2022, Chicago 2023 just days after recovering from Covid, Berlin 2024 with a personal best of 3:29 for the Alzheimer’s Society, Tokyo 2025 for Japanese charity Florence, and finally New York 2025. Throughout the Six Majors, Becky has raised £8,000 for charity.
Becky said:
This journey has been about discipline, planning, and resilience, qualities I live by in business as much as I do in fitness.
Balancing marathon training with running Bronco has been tough, but I’ve always believed that personal goals and professional success can strengthen each other. I’m proud to have completed the Six Stars and to show that with the right focus, anything is possible.”
Alongside her marathons, Becky has also qualified twice for the HYROX World Championships and enjoys trail running across Yorkshire, proving that her passion for endurance extends far beyond the road.
Chasing Six Stars: My Marathon Journey from Ripon to the World Stage
Becky said:
I never imagined that I’d be travelling the globe, running in some of the biggest and most prestigious marathons in the world. In fact, my fitness and running journey didn’t even begin until 2017 and now, in 2025, I’ve proudly completed the Six Star World Major Marathons, joining a small, elite group of athletes worldwide.
Currently, only 755 women and 1,376 men in the UK have achieved this milestone, and globally just 8182 women hold the coveted Six Star medal. It still amazes me to count myself among them.
From Rugby Pitch to Marathon Start Line
Becky said:
My route into running was entirely unplanned. In 2017, I started playing rugby, helping to reform the women’s Bluebelles team at Ripon Rugby Club. The fitter I became, the more I enjoyed running as part of my training. In 2019, I took on the Great North Run for Muscular Dystrophy, my first half marathon. Crossing that finish line was a revelation. I couldn’t help wondering: could I go further? Could I tackle the full 26.2 miles?
I applied to Muscular Dystrophy for a London Marathon charity place, and to my shock, I was accepted. The race was originally set for April 2020, but Covid had other plans. On the day the race should have taken place, I ran my own “Ripon Marathon” – loops around the city streets, greeted at a homemade finish line in front of my house, complete with a handmade medal.
The official London Marathon was eventually held in October 2021, and it was my debut road race marathon. I ran it without chasing a specific time, enjoying the atmosphere, but when I posted my result online, friends were quick to point out that I had earned a Boston Qualifying Time. I didn’t even realise the significance at the time, that Boston was considered the “holy grail” of marathon running. But I applied with my London time, was accepted, and just like that, the journey to Six Stars began.
The Six Majors – One Step at a Time
Becky on her Marathons from 2021:
2021 – London
Charity place for Muscular Dystrophy. Unexpectedly earned my Boston Qualifying Time, opening the door to the next chapter.2022 – Boston
Boston’s strict qualifying times made this one extra special, and I’ll forever be a Unicorn!2023 – Chicago
Qualified on time after running London for the second time in 2022 and entered into the World Age Group Championships. Certainly, my toughest race, just four days after recovering from Covid.2024 – Berlin
Charity place for the Alzheimer’s Society. I ran a personal best of 3:29, enabling me to qualify for New York. Berlin’s flat course and electric energy made it unforgettable.2025 – Tokyo
One of the hardest marathons to gain entry to due to its small race field and limited places for international athletes. I ran for Japanese charity Florence, adding another meaning to every mile.2025 – New York
The grand finale – completing all Six World Majors. Standing in Central Park with that final medal in hand was the icing on the cake.Over these five years, I’ve raised nearly £8,000 for charities across the world and travelled thousands of miles – not just in races, but in training.
The Training is the Real Challenge
Becky said:
People often assume the marathon itself is the hardest part, but in truth, the race feels like a victory lap. The grind lies in the 16-week training block beforehand, the relentless early morning runs, in all weathers and seasons, and the long weekend runs that steadily build up mileage. That’s where the discipline is forged.
Along the way, I’ve dealt with my fair share of setbacks. Most recently, after running London “for fun” in April 2025, I developed a prolonged hip injury that put my New York place at risk. It took patience, physiotherapy, osteopathy, and sheer determination to make it to that start line.
Beyond the Road – Other Challenges
Becky said:
Marathons aren’t my only passion. Over the last three years, I’ve competed in HYROX events, both solo and in mixed pairs. I’ve twice qualified for the World Championships and even stood on the podium for my age group. I’m also a huge fan of off-road racing, tackling long distances in Yorkshire’s stunning countryside, where the scenery is as much a reward as the finish line.
Gratitude and What Comes Next
Becky said:
Looking back, what strikes me most is how much this journey has shaped me, not just as a runner, but as a person. Each city, each race, has left its mark. I’ve met incredible people, experienced moments of pure exhaustion and pure joy, and learned more about resilience than I knew possible.
New York may have marked the end of my Six Star chase, but it feels more like the start of something new. Whether it’s another ambitious race series, more HYROX competitions, or ultra-distance trail challenges across Yorkshire, I’m ready for whatever comes next.
To think it all started with helping to rebuild a women’s rugby team in Ripon is proof that life’s journeys don’t have to be planned to be extraordinary. For me, the Six Stars are a reminder that goals can grow in ways you never anticipate, and with hard work, perseverance, and a bit of luck, you can take them all the way around the world.
