When Julie Kulawiec first learned about the World Marathon Challenge, she felt it was impossible.
“I told my husband about it, and he thought the idea was crazy,” she said. “I knew he was probably right and tried to forget about it. But I just couldn’t get the idea of completing it out of my mind.”
That idea – seven marathons on seven continents in seven days – wouldn’t let go. And eventually, it became something much bigger than a personal goal: a DIY breast cancer fundraiser to support those facing the disease.
A Passion for Running Leads to an Extraordinary Challenge
Julie first developed a love of running in college. In 1998, she ran her first marathon and never looked back. Since then, she’s finished 13 full marathons and qualified for the 2002 Boston Marathon.
The World Marathon Challenge wasn’t just another race. It was the chance to fundraise in support of Komen and the fight to end breast cancer.
After college, Julie spent eight years as an oncology nurse, caring for patients and witnessing firsthand the harsh realities a breast cancer diagnosis can bring. That experience stayed with her even after she left the field, especially after her cousin passed away seven months after her diagnosis.
Even as her career evolved, Julie remained connected to the cause. She participated in her local Race for the Cure and later joined the Komen St. Louis board of directors. When she committed to the World Marathon Challenge, she knew she wanted to use the experience as an opportunity to raise awareness about Komen’s work to end breast cancer.
Julie officially registered for the challenge in August 2025 and immediately set to work preparing, both physically and mentally. With guidance from past participants, she built a training plan around endurance and injury prevention. Weekends were reserved for long-distance runs, while weekdays focused on shorter runs, strength training and cycling.
However, the biggest adjustment was letting go of perfect conditions.
“I’m kind of a fair-weather person,” she said. “If the weather isn’t perfect, I’ll run on a treadmill. Training in bad weather was probably the hardest part.”
She pushed through, knowing the conditions she’d face would be anything but predictable.
7 Continents, 7 Marathons, 7 Days
Julie’s journey began in Cape Town, South Africa, before heading to one of the world’s most extreme environments: Antarctica.
She faced brutal conditions as she ran 10 laps around Ultima Base. “When we started, the temperature was -2 and the winds were about 20 to 30 miles an hour,” she said. “By the time I was on my final lap, the winds picked up to 50 miles an hour. As soon as I finished my last lap, they pulled the remaining runners off the track because we had to get out before the weather got worse.”
The participants returned to South Africa, where Julie celebrated her birthday as she ran along the beach in near-perfect weather. Next up was Australia, where the challenge intensified. “It was insanely hot and windy,” Julie said. “It felt like a hot hair dryer was blowing on you the entire time.”
Julie’s dedication to the challenge carried her forward through the 100-plus degree temperatures. “Anytime I thought about quitting, I remembered what breast cancer patients go through with treatment, and it just pushed me to keep going,” she said.
The next three races took her across the United Arab Emirates, Spain and Brazil, with each one testing her endurance in new ways.
The seventh and final marathon in Miami began at 11:30 p.m. Julie ran through the night and finished just after sunrise. Ten family members were waiting to cheer her across the finish line.
“Throughout the entire week, I never experienced jet lag,” she said. “But when I got home to St. Louis, I literally slept an entire day.”
Turning Miles into Impact with a DIY Breast Cancer Fundraiser
In the months leading up to the challenge, Julie developed a strategic plan for fundraising. She set up a campaign through Komen’s DIY fundraising platform and began promoting it on her social media channels the month before the challenge.
By the time she left for South Africa in late January, her network had already showed up to support her in a big way, including a $5,000 contribution from her employer. Even after completing the challenge, she continued sharing updates and videos from the experience to keep supporters inspired and engaged.
By the time her campaign ended, Julie raised more than $11,400 for Komen.
Proving Anything is Possible
Looking back, Julie is proud of more than finishing all seven marathons.
“I showed my kids that when you put your mind to something and try hard, you can achieve it,” she said.
Her only regret? “I just wish I could have done this 20 years ago, because I would have gone a lot faster,” she said. “It was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done, but when I thought about patients going through months or even years of treatment, I realized I could keep going for one week.”
Start Your Own DIY Breast Cancer Fundraiser
Inspired by Julie’s journey? Take the first step and start your breast cancer fundraiser.
Komen’s DIY Fundraising empowers you to choose where, when and how to raise money to support breast cancer research and patient programs. With a variety of tools and resources, it’s easier than ever to make an impact. To learn more or start your own breast cancer fundraiser, visit www.komen.org/fundraise.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
