A runner from Newcastle has secured a place in every race of the Abbott World Marathon Majors after winning a global competition that recognises inspiring stories from across the running community.

Leodhais Macpherson, 25, broke down in tears when he was told he had won the Abbott WMM World Tour prize, which includes race entries to all seven existing Majors and potential places at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and the Shanghai Marathon should they complete the candidacy process. The prize also includes travel and accommodation provided by Marathon Tours & Travel.

Entrants were asked to submit a video explaining why they should win, with judging carried out by marathon runners and content creators Liz Newcomer and Aubrey Mvula. Macpherson’s entry shared the story of how the loss of his brother Conor inspired him to run 128 marathons in 128 days, covering 3,332 miles, the equivalent distance from North Shields to New York City, a place his brother had dreamed of living.

He completed the challenge alongside his full time job and raised more than £100,000 for charity. After reaching the final stage of the competition, he received a call from the judges confirming his win. Reacting to the news, he said he could not explain how much it meant and described the opportunity as the best thing that had ever happened to him. He added that sharing his story had helped many people and encouraged others to run as a way of coping with life’s challenges.

Macpherson will begin his World Tour journey at the TCS London Marathon on 26 April.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Abbott World Marathon Majors website or visit Leodhais' Instagram page.

Image: ​​​​​​​Leodhais Macpherson