Athletes with Disabilities Complete Six Star Abbott WMM Journey at 2026 Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon marked both a competitive achievement and a global gathering for the Achilles community, as athletes from multiple countries came together to compete on one of the sport’s largest international stages.
Four athletes with disabilities completed their Abbott World Marathon Majors sixth star race at the 2026 Tokyo Marathon on Sunday March 1, earning the coveted Six Star Medal including:
Jamie Recht, Achilles Washington D.C.
Wendy Brosse, Achilles New Jersey
Brian Cannavina, Achilles New Jersey
Roger Oberholzer, Team Achilles USA
“Running marathons with Achilles continues to be life changing for me. Achieving my sixth Abbott World Marathon Majors star at the Tokyo Marathon was a tremendous feeling, but equally, if not more importantly, I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be with the Achilles community on another adventure,” Brain Cannavina says. “Running one marathon, let alone getting my sixth Abbott World Marathon Majors Star, would not have been possible without all of the kindness, compassion and support of all the Achilles guides and personnel.”
They were joined by eight additional Achilles teammates who traveled to Japan from countries across the globe for the race experience. Eight Achilles chapters were represented, including members of the Achilles Freedom Team. The group traveled from the United States, Ireland, Mongolia, New Zealand, and Japan.
In the days leading up to race day, the Achilles Japan chapter organized a full slate of team events, including a Friday night dinner, a Saturday lunch, and a shakeout run. The chapter also coordinated on-course cheering sections and arranged media interviews highlighting Achilles athletes.
We are grateful for the 13 Team Achilles charity runners who raised nearly $100,000 to support programming for athletes with disabilities.
