If you have ever been a fan of Harry Styles or running, you might have heard the news that the One Direction star is turning heads in an attempt to collect the Abbotts World Majors Medals like Infinity Stones. The singer has swapped stadium spotlights for starting lines, proving that the thrill of competition doesn’t just belong on stage but can be found pounding the pavement with thousands of other determined athletes.
Run clubs have taken off in a post-pandemic world, to reconnect with community and fitness. Alike us mortals, it seems celebs have drunk the cool-aid and signed up to the running “cult”. Donning their shortest short shorts, fueled off nutritional gels and dreams, it seems more celebrities are increasingly taking part in Half and Full Marathons. The sight of famous faces such as Paul Mescal and Collin Farrell make the sport feel more accessible and aspirational, inspiring fans everywhere to lace up their own trainers and chase the same runner’s high.
Styles nonetheless, attempted his first public race debut at the Tokyo Marathon 2024, finishing with an outstanding time of 3:24 hours for the 42km. Proving that this three-time Grammy winner has more than vocals, his journey shows that endurance, grit, and star power can all cross the same finish line.
Returning in 2025 with a vengeance for a personal best, Styles not only laced up but entered the Berlin Marathon under the alias “Sted Sarandos” protecting his identity. Seeing Styles openly running amongst the masses sent fans into a frenzy, mostly because by the time they realised he was gone. Styles finished the Marathon in 2:59:13 hours, maintaining an average pace of 4 Minutes and 15 seconds per kilometer, cementing himself as not just a pop idol but a serious contender in the world of distance running. These results saw him finishing in the top 5% of the race, a remarkable achievement for someone balancing global fame and a gruelling training schedule.
As Harry Styles ticks off marathons with the same flair he brings to his music, the question now is what’s next. Will he set his sights on the remaining Abbott World Marathon Majors, or chase an even faster time? Or can we see new music from Styles? Whatever the goal, one thing is clear—Styles is running toward a whole new legacy.
By: Monique Bobbermien (20736945)
Guan QiuYu 
REN Ren 
VickyWu