Running the World for St. Jude

Houston’s Sahar Halim takes on seven marathons in seven days to raise $100k for St Jude.

For most runners, one marathon is a milestone. For Sahar Halim, it’s just the start. This January, the Houston-based runner will lace up for the World Marathon Challenge: seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days.

It’s one of the most grueling endurance events on the planet, but Sahar isn’t chasing medals or records. She’s running to raise $100,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, turning every mile into hope for children and families fighting cancer.

The idea took hold after she summited Mount Kilimanjaro in October 2024. “Right before leaving, I was told there was an opportunity to run,” she said. “Once I summited, I knew I had to do this. I wanted to prove to myself and everyone around me that you can do hard things. And what’s harder than seven marathons in seven days on seven continents?”

Running for more than herself

Sahar’s connection to St. Jude began after she lost her grandmother to cancer in 2018. “One thing she and my parents ingrained in me was giving back,” she said. “Knowing these children haven’t had the chance to live a full life solidified my reason for running for them.”

Since then, every mile has carried meaning. Her fundraising efforts have become a cornerstone of her running journey and this time, she’s taking that mission global.

“To know that St. Jude is giving these children a chance at life without having to worry about treatment or travel is incredibly important,” she said. “I’m grateful to be a small part of that mission.”

Training for the impossible

Preparing for seven consecutive marathons is a feat in itself. “It’s been absolutely insane,” she admitted. “I’m running four long runs in a row, lifting three times a week, and doing mile repeats once a week. It’s been all-consuming, but I’ve truly enjoyed seeing how far the body can go.”

And she’s not doing it alone. The Houston running community has rallied behind her every step of the way. “It’s incredible how far this story has spread,” she said. “Friends share the fundraising link, ask how they can help, and even when I haven’t posted in a while, people check in. They’re so invested in this journey.”

Inspiring the next generation of runners

Beyond the finish lines, Sahar hopes her journey sparks something in others, especially runners who doubt themselves. “I’ve never been one of the faster runners,” she said. “But I hope people see that no matter your skill level, if you put your mind to something, you can accomplish it.”

Of all the destinations in the World Marathon Challenge, Sahar’s most excited for Antarctica, “just to say I’ve been there,” she said, and Miami, where her family and friends will be waiting to celebrate the finish.

For Sahar, every step is powered by gratitude, grit, and the belief that running can change lives, not just her own, but the children and families she’s running for.

The race officially begins on January 31, 2026. You can follow Sahar’s journey and support her fundraising efforts for St. Jude and on her Instagram page @runclimbheal.