A Relentless Runner: 12 Marathons in 12 Cities

Running is often seen as a natural talent, but for some, it’s more about determination than genetics. Dr. Elaine Halley doesn’t fit the stereotypical runner’s physique, yet she has completed 12 marathons—each in a different location. Her pace may not be record-breaking, but forward motion—no matter how slow—still counts.

Her younger brother, Cameron, an experienced runner himself, has compared her endurance to a scene from The Terminator, where the machine pulls itself forward with relentless determination. His words—relentless, unstoppable, a machine—perfectly capture her mindset while pushing through mile after mile.

Dr. Halley’s fastest marathon time was 4 hours and 11 minutes, a respectable achievement. Over the years, with the demands of life, children, and work, her average time has increased to around five or even five and a half hours. But for her, marathons aren’t just about speed—they are about the experience. Taking in the scenery, enjoying the journey, and even stopping for a snack at water stations have become part of the process.

Her running journey began in university, originally as a tool for weight loss. A running club soon followed, leading to an unexpected realization: distances could be increased from 3K to 5K to 10K. Upon returning to Scotland in 1995, she joined the Perth Road Runners, where experienced marathoners welcomed her into their training group. Before long, she found herself keeping pace with them, and almost without realizing it, she had trained for her first marathon. The Lochaber Marathon—set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands—became her first completed race, igniting a passion for long-distance running.

With a dental practice to manage, three children to raise, and a milestone birthday approaching, Dr. Halley set a bold goal: completing a marathon every year until turning 50. The commitment ensured consistent training and kept fitness a priority.

Shorter races, such as 10Ks and half-marathons, have been part of her journey, but they never provided the same satisfaction. While 10Ks focus on speed, marathons require mental and physical resilience—especially when every muscle begs to stop, yet the only option is to push forward. This battle between body and mind is where the true reward lies.

When Dr. Halley’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, running took on a deeper purpose. Her marathons became a way to raise money for research, with more than £5,800 contributed thanks to the generosity of family, friends, and colleagues. The emotional connection intensified after his passing in 2015, just two months before the New York City Marathon. Running that race alongside Cameron and his wife, Krissie, became a deeply personal experience, filled with memories of long training runs where her father’s presence was strongly felt.

Dr. Halley’s marathon list spans Lochaber, Paris, Edinburgh, Dublin, Vienna, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Berlin, New York, Amsterdam, Geneva, and even an attempt at Mont Blanc. Each race represents more than just miles covered; they reflect years of life—injuries, family responsibilities, business challenges, and countless early morning runs completed before her children woke up.

“Your marathon was getting to the start line.”

Many runners understand this sentiment well. Reaching the start line often requires just as much effort as completing the race itself. And once the race begins, all that remains is the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other—again and again—until the finish line appears. A powerful metaphor for life itself.