In 2019, Iain Ward, a 35-year-old fitness trainer, was devastated by a diagnosis of terminal brain cancer. A man who had spent his life dedicated to health and fitness suddenly faced a bleak prognosis: he had just one year to live.
Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, Ward chose to fight back in his own unique way. He embraced life with a renewed sense of purpose, dedicating himself to running marathons and raising funds for cancer research. “I’ve got a short shelf life,” Ward told The Post. “I was dealt a rough hand, but I’ve found ways to use that.”
Originally from Ireland but now living in London, Ward wasted no time after his diagnosis. Hours after hearing the news, he began researching how to turn his passion for running into something greater. He discovered that a marathoner once raised $3 million through corporate sponsorships. Inspired, Ward set out to top that record and raise even more for cancer research.
Since that day, Ward has been on a relentless mission, despite undergoing rigorous cancer treatments. He has participated in 15 marathons, sometimes running, sometimes walking, but always moving forward. “The point is to do things that defy the typical image of a cancer patient,” Ward explained. “People expect me to be in bed, looking sad. Instead, I’m out running.”
Ward, a former gaming influencer who proudly sports a “Star Wars” Rebellion tattoo, has become a social media sensation. He’s gained 5.5 million followers on TikTok and another 6.7 million on Instagram, where he is affectionately known as the “King of Chemo.” His supporters cheer him on as he continues to defy expectations.
Ward’s biggest challenge is yet to come. In November, he will attempt to run seven marathons in seven days across seven continents, including the New York City Marathon, to raise even more awareness and funds for cancer research. All of this while knowing that his time may be running out. “The doctors said I had about five years,” Ward said. “Now, there’s only one year left.”
Despite the grim prognosis, Ward remains determined. He even plans to start his seven-marathon challenge in Antarctica, sleeping on the plane between continents. “We’re going to keep going,” he said.
Running to Chemo
Ward’s life changed forever during a medical screening. Doctors found a tumor, and tests confirmed it was malignant and terminal. The news came as a shock to Ward, who had always been physically fit. However, his fitness turned out to be a significant advantage as he began his cancer treatment.
“During chemotherapy, I was running and cycling seven miles to the hospital,” Ward recalled. “It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve kept going.”
The biggest challenges have come during radiotherapy, which sometimes left him too exhausted to run. “I noticed my times dropping. I was getting slower,” Ward said. However, he drew inspiration from the legendary “Rocky” films, reminding himself to keep moving, even if it meant walking instead of running. “That motivated me,” he added.
Ward admits that his marathon performances haven’t been world-class, but that’s not the point. “It’s not like the Olympics,” he said with a laugh. “In Edinburgh, I had to stop and walk several times.”
Despite the doctors’ predictions, Ward is cautiously optimistic. Recent scans have offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that he may have more time than originally thought. So far, he’s raised about $500,000 for cancer research, but he’s not done yet. His calendar is still full of upcoming marathons as he looks to the future, even with the clock ticking.
“I don’t know, maybe around Christmas, I’ll just say, ‘Screw it, I’m going to run another one,’” Ward said with a smile. “Who’s going to stop me?”
