Mr Ovary Takes on Sydney Marathon!

We caught up with Craig McMurrough who is running the 2025 Sydney Marathon – dressed as a giant ovary – with Sports Tours International to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. He has been fundraising and spreading awareness since his sister, Cheryl, sadly passed away in 2016 from ovarian cancer. 

When my sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 43, leaving behind two young children, my world shattered. Her rapid decline – misdiagnosed initially and then discovered too late – became my life’s mission to ensure no other family experiences such devastating loss. One in 78 women in the UK are diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer annually, with most diagnoses happening at stage three – a terrifyingly late point for effective treatment. These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent real lives, real families.  

Decoding The Warning Signs: BEAT

Most people remain unaware of ovarian cancer’s early symptoms. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to sharing the BEAT acronym – a critical tool for early detection:  

• Frequent bloating 
• Eating habits changing 
• Abdominal pain 
• Toilet habit disruptions 

If these symptoms persist, don’t accept a dismissive response! Be tenacious. Get tested. Your persistence could save your life.  

From Grief to Action: A Running Mission

My marathon journey began as a tribute to my sister. I’ve run 25 marathons across global cities – Berlin, Chicago, New York, Dublin, Amsterdam – but each race is more than a personal achievement, they are platforms for spreading critical health information. Working closely with Overcome, a charity dedicated to ovarian cancer awareness, I’ve transformed personal tragedy into a powerful message of hope and education. We created a giant ovary that I could run in and over the past couple of years, I have talked my friend Sarah into running alongside me wearing an ovary too. Our runs aren’t just about miles – they’re about raising awareness, funds, and most importantly, saving lives. Every time I put the ovary on, I think of my sister Cheryl. 

Our efforts have already made a difference. Women who’ve heard our message have gotten checked early. One woman told me our awareness campaign helped her catch her cancer in time and these stories are why we continue breaking the silence as ovarian cancer remains a topic many avoid discussing. The nature of the disease makes it challenging to detect, with current screening methods often missing early signs, which is why personal stories and education are crucial.  

The average patient is over 50, but cancer doesn’t discriminate, it can affect women of all ages, which makes awareness even more critical.  

The Sydney Marathon

My upcoming Sydney Marathon run represents another opportunity to spread this vital message. Each step I take is a step towards awareness and towards potentially saving lives. Running has become more than a sport for me, it’s a megaphone, amplifying a message that could prevent other families from experiencing the pain we went through.  

Learn the symptoms. Talk openly with your loved ones. Support organisations dedicated to cancer research and awareness, your awareness could be someone’s lifeline.  

To Every Woman Reading This: Know Your Body. Trust Your Instincts.

Don’t let fear or dismissal prevent you from seeking answers. Cancer awareness isn’t about fear, it’s about empowerment, and it’s about transforming personal experiences into collective action. Together, we can break the silence and together, we can save lives.