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Rashaad running along the Brighton and Hove seafront

Congratulations to Dr Rashaad Shabab, Reader in Economics and Associate Dean for Education and Students at the University of Sussex Business School, who has completed his 100th officially recognised marathon. This marks a remarkable personal milestone whilst supporting students facing hardship.

Rashaad completed his 100th marathon in May 2026 at Ardingly Reservoir in the East Sussex countryside. The achievement was independently verified by the UK’s 100 Marathon Club, which recognises runners who have completed 100 qualifying marathons or ultramarathons.

Despite the challenging heat, Rashaad finished second overall and was the first male runner to cross the finish line.

From balancing a PhD to long-distance running

His journey into long-distance running began while he was completing his PhD at the University of Sussex. At the time, he was balancing the pressures of academic study with family responsibilities and an effort to stop smoking. Running initially helped him manage stress but gradually became an important and lasting part of his life.

For Rashaad, running is not primarily about competition.

“I do this for enjoyment,” he said. “There is already enough competition and stress in our lives.”

This philosophy also shapes his wider approach to personal and professional development. Rather than pursuing sudden or extreme change, he believes in building sustainable habits over time.

“It is about developing good habits bit by bit, rather than dramatically changing yourself all at once,” he explained.

Rashaad’s endurance achievements extend beyond the marathon distance. He also became the first Bangladeshi runner to complete a 100-mile footrace, an experience that transformed the way he approached challenges in other areas of his life.

“When your legs can carry you through 100 miles, staying up late to finish a piece of work or dealing with life’s challenges can suddenly feel much more manageable,” he said.

How running supports student wellbeing

Rashaad believes regular physical activity can be particularly valuable for students, helping them develop discipline, concentration and emotional resilience. Throughout his own academic career, running has also helped him form friendships and professional connections.

“Students sometimes see exercise and wellbeing as separate from their studies,” Rashaad said. “But healthy routines can often be the very things that help them succeed academically.”

Running has also become a shared interest across three generations of his family. Inspired by his example, both his sons and his father now take part in running events.

Raising funds for the Sussex Fund

Rashaad dedicated his 100th marathon to raising funds for the University of Sussex student Sussex Fund, which provides support to students experiencing hardship.

Having once been an international student managing the pressures of postgraduate study himself, the cause has particular personal significance.

“I know how overwhelming university life can sometimes feel, especially when financial pressures are involved,” he said. “Supporting students through those difficult moments is incredibly important.”

For anyone considering their first marathon, Rashaad’s advice is straightforward: train consistently, fuel properly, take care not to overhydrate and, above all, enjoy the experience.

His achievement is a reminder that sustainable habits developed outside work or study can strengthen wellbeing, resilience and success across every part of life.

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