Couple set to achieve 6th marathon and receive Six Star medal

A couple from Kansas City will complete the six most recognised marathons in the world when they cross the finish line in London on April 22 for Crimestoppers.

Rick Armstrong, 57, and wife Allison, 52, have already completed marathons in New York, Berlin, Tokyo, Chicago and Boston, with London being the sixth elite course they will look to finish.

Having registered with Abbott World Marathon Majors, a series of six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world, they will receive their coveted Six Star medal if and when they cross the finish line in London.

Turning a negative into a positive

Rick, President and CEO of the Kansas City Crime Commission and a former Chief of Police of the Kansas City Police Department for 36 years, was shot in the line of duty and has tried to turn the negative into a positive by focusing on his running, completing 36 marathons.

“It happened when I was a young officer, early in my career, in 1983. Two teenagers shot me from behind as I walked into a convenience store with another officer around 2am (a sniper-type shooting from 75 metres away).

"Both boys were arrested within a few days thanks to a tip from a sister of one of the boys. I do not know if the tip was through our Crime Stoppers Program (we started in 1982 in Kansas City) or if was a direct tip to our police department.  I was hit in the back and recovered completely.”

Allison, a teacher, regularly travels to Europe with her students and has visited London several times, but this will be the first time Rick has spent any time in the city.
“I love Europe and bring my students every other summer, but Rick has only ever passed through,” said Allison.

“We have family who live there and will spend a week to ensure we can see the sights – we should be fully mobile after the Monday,” added Rick.

On track to receive their Six Star medal

With this being the sixth elite marathon that the couple have completed, they emphasised how important the event in London was, especially as it will mean they can collect their 'Six Star medal.’

With similar Crimestoppers programmes across the United States, raising money for a UK charity that does similar work and also offers an anonymous service, has not been a hard sell.  But ultimately, the biggest challenge will be crossing that finish line.

“London is the crown jewel. It’s the sixth and final of the majors”, said Rick. 

Allison said, “It’s so important to me, it’s unlike other marathons, it’s something I’ve dreamed of since being a runner.”

“I hear so many good things about London. Everyone says it’s the perfect one to finish on, so I have high expectations. It’s probably the most important Marathon that I’ve ever run.”

You can support Rick and Allison on their fundraising page at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RickArmstrong2