Becky Naylor’s running journey was inspired by a local family ten years ago, she wanted to go the extra mile to support Jett, who was diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy at 18 months old. From taking part in a Tough Mudder, running the Great North Run and now completing all six-star world major marathons, Becky shares her story.
Runner crosses the finish line of all six-star major marathons
I never imagined that I’d be travelling the globe, running in some of the biggest and most prestigious marathons in the world. My running journey began in 2017 and now I’m proud to have completed the Six Star World Major Marathons, joining a small, elite group of athletes worldwide that has completed London (2021), Boston (2022), Chicago (2023), Berlin (2024), Tokyo and New York (2025).
Currently, only 755 women and 1,376 men in the UK have achieved this milestone, and globally 8,182 women hold the coveted Six Star medal. I’m amazed to count myself among them.
My route into running was entirely unplanned as I started playing rugby in 2017. In 2019, I completed my first half marathon – the Great North Run for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Crossing that finish line was a revelation. I couldn’t help wondering: could I go further? Could I tackle the full 26.2 miles?
“For me it wasn’t just about running and clocking up the miles, I really wanted to try and make a difference.”
Three years before taking part in the Great North Run, I met Jett, a young boy living with Becker muscular dystrophy. It was a local family, and I’ve always tried to support my local community where I can. I was really moved after hearing Jett’s story and felt compelled to help him and others living with muscle wasting conditions.
I applied to Muscular Dystrophy UK for a London Marathon charity place and was lucky to receive one. The race was originally scheduled for April 2020, but Covid had other plans. On the day the race should have taken place, I ran my own “Ripon Marathon” – doing 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 and enjoyed the atmosphere. After posting my results online, friends were quick to point out that I had earned a qualifying time for Boston, which is considered the “holy grail” of marathon running. I applied and was accepted – just like that, the journey to Six Stars began.
“Over these five years, I’ve raised nearly £8,000 for charities including Muscular Dystrophy UK and travelled thousands of miles – not just in races, but in training.”
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.
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.
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.
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 and make a difference to a charity close to your heart at the same time.
Inspired by Becky's story?
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