WHEN running becomes a passion, you go the extra mile. That’s exactly what Tan Chin Chin, a seasoned marathoner, did to complete six full marathons in six different locations, earning a six-star medal by Abbott World Marathon Majors.
The six-star medal was introduced by Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2016 to honour runners who complete all six major marathons.
During an exclusive interview with Buletin Mutiara on June 25, Tan said there was no specific timeline for runners to follow to complete the marathons, and that individuals are given the liberty to do so at their convenience.
While she knew people who took about 30 years to get their hands on the medal, Tan only needed nine years to complete the set.
Her first among the six was in Tokyo in 2015, followed by Berlin in 2018, Chicago in 2019, London in 2022, New York in 2023, and Boston this year (2024).
When asked about her feelings and experience in participating in the marathons, Tan said despite not being new to running, it was the whole idea of running in different venues that intrigued her.
“The first one in Tokyo was amazing because more than the marathon itself, the hospitality and support by the Japanese people made the entire journey a memorable one.
“It is universally known that the Japanese community has zero tolerance for not being nice, and they are practically the definition of disciple and warm-hearted people.
“I saw during the race how committed they were, and after Tokyo, I ran two other marathons in Japan, namely in Osaka and Nagoya, which were not part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
“Out of all the locations I ran in, Tokyo will remain one of my favourites,” Tan said during the interview at her sporting goods store called MyPace by Runners Unite in Tanjung Tokong.
Tan ran her first marathon in Oregon, United States of America, in 2006, when she was transferred to the headquarters of a multinational company she was working for in Penang for two years.
She worked as an engineer until 2013 when she decided to open her own sports store.
Oregon is the birthplace of the popular sports brand, Nike, and while there, Tan was mesmerised by the sporting climate and felt connected considering her passion for running.
Elaborating further about the marathon majors, Tan said, unlike any other marathon, the Abbott World Marathon Majors works in a completely different system.
“Potential participants are guaranteed a slot each through balloting only.
“If one does not pass through this stage, then there is the tour package option available, which has limited capacity too.
“The third and final way is by taking part in a charity initiative. This option means participants will be required to raise a certain amount fixed by the individual marathon for charity purposes, and if successful, participants will be eligible to participate.
“I was lucky enough to have gotten a slot in Tokyo through balloting,” she said.
On another issue, Tan explained further about her sports store, when she also officially became a vendor for the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM).
In 2013, before she started selling sports equipment and so on, Tan, who has technical expertise from her previous job as an engineer, became PBIM’s timing system and results provider.
“During marathons, runners wear bibs with radio-frequency identification (RFID) at the back, serving as data storage, which will later be generated into results for their reference.
“Back then, Datuk Danny Law Heng Kiang was the exco member in charge of tourism in Penang, and I am very thankful as he was the one who gave me the opportunity to become PBIM’s vendor,” Tan added.
Tan said it was a pleasure to have also worked with the former state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, and expressed hopes of continuing the working ties with the current exco member, Wong Hon Wai.
She also expressed hopes that her journey as a marathoner will serve as an inspiration for fellow Penangites, especially from the aspect of leading a healthy lifestyle through running.
Story and pix Kevin Vimal