Giles Ashton-Roberts, a cybersecurity professional from Runcorn, England, is set to take on the TCS New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026. This marathon will mark the sixth in an ambitious series of seven that he has committed to completing in celebration of his impending 50th birthday.
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The motivation behind Ashton-Roberts’ challenge extends far beyond personal achievement. He is also raising funds for the Motor Neuron Disease (MND) Association in memory of his mother, who battled the debilitating condition for over a decade before passing away in July. The MND Association is dedicated to supporting those affected by this life-shortening neurological disease, which leads to progressive muscle weakness and impacts essential functions such as movement, speech, and breathing.
Ashton-Roberts says the idea for this monumental undertaking emerged during a conversation at a corporate event. “I thought, why not use my milestone birthday as an opportunity to take on a significant challenge? The conversation quickly transformed into plans for running as many of the TCS marathons as possible within the year,” he recalled. His journey began at the Paris Marathon on April 12, and he continued with the Boston Marathon on April 20, the London Marathon on April 26, the Sydney Marathon on August 30, and the Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2026. If he successfully crosses the finish line in New York, he intends to conclude this series with the Tata Mumbai Marathon on January 17, 2027.
Currently, Ashton-Roberts has raised approximately 76 percent of his fundraising goal of £10,000, equivalent to around $13,000. He shared that beyond the personal stakes, his campaign is also about generating awareness and resources for those diagnosed with MND. “I want to turn my pain and struggles during these races into a source of hope for those who are suffering in silence,” he explained.
Ashton-Roberts vividly recalls the challenges he faced throughout his marathon preparations. His mother, Jenny, faced many of the same obstacles associated with MND, which is often more about providing care than finding a treatment. “I want to do something proactive to benefit others, even if it doesn’t help my mum,” he conveyed. He added that the aim of his fundraising is to support access to communication technology for MND patients who, unlike famed astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, may not have the means to afford such tools.
Ashton-Roberts’ experiences during the marathons have not been without physical trials. He encountered a severe health setback before the Mumbai Marathon that left him feeling unwell, leading to the impossible decision to withdraw. His misfortunes did not end there, as he suffered a calf muscle injury during the Paris Marathon after just ten miles. “It was incredibly painful, but I managed to finish despite the agony,” he recounted, crediting a kind stranger who helped stretch his leg during the race.
His determination did not waver during subsequent marathons either. In Boston, he relied on frequent stops at medical tents to administer pain relief, while the London Marathon tested his endurance against seemingly insurmountable odds. But he persevered, knowing that his mother would be proud of his efforts. “Even though she may not benefit directly from my work, raising awareness and supporting others is essential to me,” he noted.
Post-marathon, Ashton-Roberts has laid out plans to celebrate his achievement. “Once I complete this challenge, I’ll simply grab a Citi Bike and head back to my hotel. I’m looking forward to the proper celebration after finishing all seven races,” he said with a sense of excitement.
Looking to the future, he has even larger plans for continued running. “I’m contemplating the idea of running from my home in Runcorn to the location in Germany where my mum lived and was cremated. I believe that’s around 719 miles,” he shared, contemplating how best to honour his late mother’s memory.
As activities like Ashton-Roberts’ serve to highlight the importance of awareness and fundraising, his journey resonates not only as a personal testament but also as a beacon of hope for many affected by Motor Neuron Disease. By combining personal sacrifice with public advocacy, he exemplifies how athletes can use their platforms to make a meaningful impact in their communities.