“It was really great and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Stewart was initially drawn to running thanks to his grandfather, who was on a personal mission to complete the famous feat 6-star world marathon majors. His goal was to become one of fewer than 20,000 people in history to finish all six races from London, Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, New York and Boston.
Stewart said, “Growing up I heard stories about his and my mother’s running. They lived all over the world and ran wherever they went.” He was so inspired that he planned to run too, maybe even with his grandfather.
“I started running in high school but gave it up. I started running again three years ago.”
A new quest
Since Stewart started running again, his grandfather sadly passed away. No one would have blamed Stewart for not continuing his running journey, but he chose to run anyway. He decided he would make it his own goal to complete all six marathons. Stewart has taken over from his grandfather and is now on his way to completing his own global odyssey. So far he has completed three of the six; New York, London and Chicago. He said Boston will probably be last for sentimental reasons.
“I want my family there because we have my grandfather’s medal from Boston.”
The training, planning and travel to complete the list make it a very difficult undertaking, but there’s a reason so few people have done it, and Stewart embraces that.
“I think the challenge of it is the most exciting thing for me.”
Stewart typically trains about 15 hours a week for this, but the bigger problem is scheduling those hours around his daily life, both of which involve significant commitments. Professionally he works as Regional Manager of Uptown New York City for lululemon. Stewart has several colleagues and responsibilities on his shoulders while working in the Big Apple. That said, if Stewart could work anywhere while also running and being a supportive partner, lululemon is it for him.
“It is a culture that is deeply rooted in healthcare. We support each other’s goals with care and balance them with our roles. Our leaders who ask me what my goals are, what stands in my way, how they can help.”
His role at home is perhaps his most important. His partner Chris had a tragic swimming accident and is now paralyzed. Stewart is responsible for his daily care, but still considers himself blessed to have Chris’ support as he pursues his goals.
“It fills me with gratitude that I get to do this. My partner has every reason in the world to ask me not to do this and to be home. Instead, Chris encourages me to have something for myself to celebrate and pursue.”
Lots of support in his corner
Stewart has taken on a lot, but he’s the first to say he’s not alone. That’s because he has support both at work and at home to help him as he makes the most of each day on his journey. One of the benefits of working at lululemon is that you can receive on-the-job coaching and therapy when needed.
“I’ve been spending a lot of time with an internal coach who I speak to every few weeks,” he said. “That really helped me master my time and choices that I could say no to.”
When he’s not working, Stewart can count on Chris to cheer him on, as well as his running coach Dave, a number of friends, family members and supporters to lean on when those inevitably tougher days arrive. He was pleased to see many of them cheering him on throughout the New York route.
“Seeing people I know every mile giving you a high five really reminded me what I’m doing this for.”
The mission continues
Stewart returns to London to compete in the 2026 race. He may not know how or when he will complete his journey around the world to complete all the marathons. He’s not even sure if there will be six. Sydney, Australia has been added seventh, with an eighth and ninth possibly joining in the next five years.
What is clear is that Stewart is not just powered by his legs. He can draw energy from himself or from those around him, and so he is confident that he will honor his grandfather by finishing what he started. He also shared that he values running as an endeavor available to many and hopes to inspire others to pursue it in the future.
“I think that’s the beauty of the sport. It doesn’t matter what you look like or where you come from. If your body allows it, you can do it. I’m going to keep going after it. If you think about it, do it. It’s not easy, but you have to give yourself permission to do it because it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.”
You can follow Stewart and his journey @jerrstewart.
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