Running the Gamut

After a career in corporate America was slowing down, Robyn Godfrey decided to totally switch gears to help others achieve their goals and thus, change their lives for the better. 

“I’m a speaker, writer and running coach based in Wilmington. My goal is to inspire people of all ages to chase their dreams, no matter where they’re starting from,” Godfrey said. “Whether it’s running a marathon or simply building a healthier routine, I believe lasting change begins with a decision.” 

Though a seasoned runner now, Godfrey did not begin her journey as one until the age of 47.  

“At the time, I was working in sales, going to fancy dinners and drinking more wine and cocktails than I care to admit,” Godfrey said. “After one particularly late night in Tampa, I woke up on just three hours of sleep and dragged myself to the hotel gym – completely hungover – and managed to run for 30 seconds on the treadmill. I did a run/walk interval for 30 minutes. That tiny moment changed everything.”  

She joined the Wilmington Road Runners Club (WRRC) and started entering local races.  

“As I gained confidence and mileage, I set a bold goal – run a marathon for my 50th birthday,” she said. “That challenge launched me into a whole new chapter of life.” 

While bold, Godfrey’s goal was achieved in 2016 when she completed the London Marathon.  

“It was absolutely unforgettable,” she said. “The sights, the energy, the outrageous costumes – it was like running through a street party. The course winds past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and the crowds were incredible – six to eight people deep in some places, all cheering their hearts out. I was completely hooked. The next year, I ran the Chicago Marathon and loved it just as much. That’s when the idea took hold – I was going to run all six of the World Marathon Majors. It felt like the perfect mix of adventure, personal challenge and global community.” 

Though running marathons may seem tedious to some, Godfrey’s experiences prove how thrilling it can be to not just achieve personal goals but to see others do the same in an environment that offers something different each time with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities ready to be explored.  

Godfrey completed “… all six of the World Marathon Majors: Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York and Tokyo. At the end of this incredible journey, you’re awarded the Six Star Medal – an honor given to runners who finish all six races.  

“For me, it was the ultimate adventure – a chance to see the world and run through some of the most iconic cities on the planet,” she said. “Each race held a unique, unforgettable moment. I ran the London Marathon the year they celebrated their one-millionth finisher, with a ‘One in a Million’ campaign that made it feel extra special.” 

Godfrey was in Berlin when Eliud Kipchoge shattered the world record. “Sharing the course that day was surreal,” Godfrey said. “And I ran the Boston Marathon when it was held in October for the first time in more than 125 years, due to COVID – a historic experience. Each city brought its own magic, and collecting those six stars was about so much more than medals – it was about resilience, grit and determination.” 

A Six Star Finisher doesn’t have to be an Olympic runner. To achieve this goal, participants must complete all six majors within an official cutoff time.  

“The Six Star journey has become hugely popular worldwide, with runners from more than 100 countries participating,” Godfrey said. “As of early 2025, just over 13,000 people have earned this prestigious medal – making it one of the most coveted achievements in distance running. It’s not just a personal milestone; it’s a celebration of perseverance, global travel and the unifying spirit of marathoning. These races aren’t easy to get into either – entry is highly competitive. I ran three of the races through charity programs, raising more than $18,500 for causes. The other three I secured through the lottery system which can be just as challenging. Every start line was hard-earned – and every finish line unforgettable.” 

To share her journey in a thoughtful way, Godfrey decided to write a book. 

“I decided to write Running the World because, behind all the race medals and finish lines, was a much deeper story, one filled with adversity, resilience and transformation,” she said. “While training for and running the World Marathon Majors, life threw just about everything at me.” 

Her husband was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer, which brought on years of ongoing health challenges. The couple weathered Hurricane Florence, navigated the pandemic “and even faced a wildfire during my virtual Boston Marathon out West.” 

“Two days before the Tokyo Marathon, there was an earthquake,” Godfrey said.  

And, in the midst of it all, Godfrey dealt with severe knee issues that threatened to sideline her completely. 

“I want readers to know that it’s never too late to go after your dreams,” Godfrey said. “I’m 59 now, still setting goals and chasing them. Whether it’s running, biking or any dream you’ve been carrying for years, I want people to know – it is possible. I hope my journey encourages readers to believe in their own and to take that first step – even if it’s just 30 seconds on a treadmill. Because sometimes, that’s all it takes to begin transforming your life.”