A LLANDRINDOD Wells runner is set to complete her sixth world major marathon, and win the Abbott World Marathon Majors award.
Judy Baird-Murray will be running Boston Marathon on Monday (April 15), which will be the final marathon she needs to qualify for the award. She has been aiming for the award since 2015, when she ran the New York City marathon.
Judy is running to raise money for Velindre Cancer Centre, where a close friend and work colleague, Adele Davies, is receiving treatment.
Whilst she has been fundraising through running for years, this year Judy has been focusing on raising money for this cause, in what she has called a "year of mad dashing". She has been doing this with her husband, Justin Baird-Murray, and Adele's husband, David Davies.
Collectively they have raised nearly £3,500 this year, through taking part in several races, including the Münster marathon in Germany, and Cardiff Half Marathon. Judy will be running Boston Marathon with husband Justin, who completed the Abbott challenge last year.
Commenting on her past five marathons, Judy said: "I have learnt so much about running marathons during my quest to get my hands on the Abbotts medal.
"Running 26.2 miles requires training both physically and mentally. No matter how prepared you think you are it doesn't always go to plan. Training not only involves tempo runs, speed runs, long runs, easy runs, core and strength training, but also finding a nutrition and hydration plan that works for you."
Looking forward to Monday, Judy said: "My absolute goal is to break four hours, but simply to cross that finish line in Boston will be a dream come true. There will be buckets of tears - that I can guarantee.
"I will be taking my five medals with me to Boston where I can't wait to complete the set."