A dentist is aiming to finish all seven World Marathon Majors within a nine-month period.
Niall Hutchinson, who is 61 and lives near Oxford in Wantage, will complete the London Marathon just six days after the Boston Marathon, bringing an ambitious international challenge to a close.
Mr Hutchinson only began running six years ago and is raising £10,000 for Smile Train, a charity providing free cleft surgery and care for children around the world.
He explained that he was never athletic during his school years, adding that he was the child who had no interest in running whatsoever. He expressed surprise at having reached the point of preparing to complete seven major marathons in nine months. He recalled that in his mid-50s, when he first attempted a short two-mile route near his home, he could not complete even a small portion of it. He began with very short distances, gradually increasing the length each day.
Six years ago, Mr Hutchinson weighed three stone more than he does now and had received a diagnosis of stage two hypertension. His doctor gave him a three-month deadline to reduce his blood pressure or begin taking medication. He had not engaged in any exercise for approximately seven years.
Mr Hutchinson’s inaugural marathon was held in Dingle, Ireland, where he crossed the line in five hours and 40 minutes. His current World Marathon Majors campaign started in Sydney in August 2025, continued in Berlin in September 2025, Chicago in October 2025, and New York in November 2025, followed by Tokyo in March 2026. He will compete at Boston on April 20 and at London on April 26.
When acquaintances and patients offered to support him financially, he selected Smile Train, a cause that resonated with him personally given his profession in dentistry.
The charity assists children born with cleft lips and palates, offering surgery, dental treatment, speech therapy, and nutritional support. Without intervention, many youngsters find it difficult to speak, eat, or breathe properly.
Mr Hutchinson stated that fundraising for Smile Train provides an entirely different sense of meaning. When training becomes demanding, he reflects on his motivations and the beneficiaries of his efforts.
Susannah Schaefer, president and chief executive at Smile Train, observed that completing even a single marathon represents a significant accomplishment, but completing seven within nine months is truly extraordinary. She noted that every contribution raised by Mr Hutchinson would enable life-changing operations and continued treatment for children and families across the globe. She expressed sincere appreciation for his dedication and extended best wishes for the London event.
In Britain, infants born with cleft conditions receive prompt intervention and assistance through the National Health Service. Nevertheless, numerous children in less affluent nations endure prolonged waits or never obtain any care whatsoever.
Smile Train trains and equips local healthcare workers to deliver complimentary cleft treatment within their own communities.