A Guide's View: Jenny and Harris' Journey to Tokyo
Read a first person testimonial below from Jenny Paulson, an Achilles NYC guide about her journey to the Tokyo Marathon with Harris Warsaw, an Achilles NYC athlete.
The thrill of crossing a finish line was no mystery to Harris Warsaw, who completed 31 marathons in his life.
But four years ago, a brain tumor put Harris’s life on another track. After a surgery with only a 30% chance of survival, the tumor only partially removed, and ten days in intensive care, Harris awoke to his vision and limbs compromised.
“I had to relearn how to walk, like a child,” said Harris.
He continued pushing forward, and with the support and encouragement of his wife, Shelley, he joined New York Road Runners and Achilles International, a leading adaptive running nonprofit that offers athletic programs for people with disabilities.
On November 5th, Harris went on his routine four-mile Tuesday evening run with me, his assigned guide. With a passion for running and dedication to community, I had already completed 11 marathons and participated in several Achilles volunteering opportunities since becoming an international and domestic guide.
I did not anticipate that particular evening would mark the beginning of such a wonderful and special friendship. The first surprise was Harris’s friendly, chatty nature.
“Hey hotshot,” he said, bumping me with his elbow, “What’s your story?”
I explained my reasons and passion for running, listing the marathons I’d completed in 2024. Harris immediately identified them as the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
“Sitting in my apartment, I often try to imagine how it would feel to have that medal around my neck,” he said.
Harris still needed to complete Tokyo to make his cherished dream a reality. While he already had an entry secured, there were no guides available to run by his side.
After listening to his story — speechless with shock of the twists and turns life can suddenly take — I slowed my run to a walk, and gently grasped Harris’s arm.
“Harris, God gave you a second chance at life for you and I to meet. I will be your guide in the Tokyo Marathon. I’ll do my very best to bring you across the finish line, and when we finish, I’ll ask you how it feels to have the Abbot World Marathon Majors Medal around your neck.”
He began to cry and asked, “Are you for real?”
“Yes, I really mean it,” I assured him.
“You are an angel entering my life!” he said.
Since that fateful evening, we’ve been training every Saturday morning, with Shelley cheering us on from the curb, a routine we’ll continue leading up to the start line of the Tokyo Marathon on March 2. In addition to our regular runs, we frequently even run into each other as we live in the same neighborhood, invite each other’s families over, and text updates about our training.
Harris, a beacon of hope and resilience, symbolizes the progress and change born of strength and determination, defying all limitations.
“I’m very grateful to have been given a second chance, and I’m determined to make the best of it,” Harris says.
His advice for other athletes with disabilities?
“Never give up on yourself. Nothing is out of reach if you put yourself out there. The Tokyo Marathon is what I started out thinking was the prize, but the real prize is the journey and what comes after. Achilles has given me back a big part of my life that will continue long after Jenny and I complete Tokyo,” says Harris.
Post Tokyo Marathon Reflection, March 19, 2025
Of the six World Marathon Majors, the Tokyo Marathon held a special place for Harris—it was the final race he needed to complete the coveted Sixth Star medal. And what a way to cap off this extraordinary achievement, in the iconic city of Tokyo, for a truly iconic event.
Harris and I arrived in Japan six days before the race, giving ourselves time to acclimate and prepare for the challenge ahead. Neither of us knew exactly what to expect when we stepped onto the starting line on March 2nd, but one thing was clear: this was going to be an unforgettable experience. The day was perfect—a beautiful spring morning—and as we looked around, we found ourselves surrounded by a sea of seasoned athletes, each one carrying their own story of perseverance and determination from the start line to the finish.
As we ran through the miles, Harris, Shinji-san, and I discovered a strength and resilience we didn’t even know we had. We were pushed forward not only by our own drive but also by the incredible support of the crowd. Special mention goes to Shelley, who cheered for us at three different points during the race, her energy fueling us every step of the way.
When we finally crossed the finish line, the feeling was indescribable. We were exhilarated, not just by the physical achievement, but by the symbolic journey Harris had completed in Tokyo. He is the ultimate example of grit, determination, courage, and resilience—someone who never gives up, no matter the odds.
Karen and Emily from Achilles were there too, arms raised high in celebration, cheering us on as we approached the finish. Their support, like that of everyone who has stood by us, made this journey even more meaningful.
The Tokyo Marathon wasn’t just about the miles or the coveted Sixth Star medal. It was about the journey—the challenges we overcame, the personal limits we pushed beyond, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. This race was like no other, truly extraordinary in every way!
But as one chapter closes, another begins. Our journey is far from over. Next up: the TCS New York City Marathon!
Congratulations, Harris, on earning your Sixth Star Abbott World Marathon Major medal! Here’s to many more victories ahead.
