Six-Star Finishers Ross Ormond and Andrew McAllister
show the world that there are no limitations to a disability
San Antonio Warm Springs Foundation Board Member Andrew McAllister never thought he would run a marathon, much less compete in the Abbott World Marathon Majors, and become a Six-Star Series Finisher. McAllister was born with Cerebral Palsy (CP), a neurological condition due to brain trauma typically caused at or shortly after birth that affects posture, balance and movement. McAllister has used a wheelchair since age 6.
“I am an active competitor in most areas—but CP prevented me from being the physical competitor I wanted to be,” said McAllister. “Until I met Ross Ormond at a men’s community bible study in 2012. And everything changed.”
Ross Ormond started running for fun after college. He ran his first marathon, the San Antonio Marathon benefiting Susan G. Komen, in November 2012 in memory of his wife Whitney’s mother, Jackie Morriss. He finished that first marathon in 3:59:59.
“When Andrew took such a big interest in my running, and the training I was doing to compete in marathons, I knew I needed to include him,” said Ormond.
The duo team completed the six marathons in the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWWM) between 2022 – 2025. They initially decided to run the acclaimed marathons in Chicago and New York because of their love of those cities, but then had the thought, “Why not run all the World Marathon Majors?” Abbott World Marathon Majors: Six Stars, Six Races, One Dream. They entered the lottery for the remaining races, and after clearing regulations with Berlin and Tokyo, made their dream a reality. The duo was the first team to ever cross the Berlin and Tokyo finish lines, making them the first duo team in the world to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
“Being one of the first duo teams to run the Tokyo Marathon was a huge win all on its own,” said Ormond. “We worked hard with officials at Abbott World Marathon Majors and Tokyo Marathon to allow duo racing. We helped create a path for others with disabilities to compete in the race.”
Ormond’s and McAllister’s Race Timeline and Finish Times
2022
1) Bank of America Chicago Marathon– 2nd place duo team, finish time 3:21:33
2) TCS New York City Marathon – 1st place duo team, finish time 3:43:37
2023
3) TCS London Marathon – 1st place duo team, finish time 3:21:37
4) BMW Berlin-Marathon – 1st duo team to cross the Berlin finish line, finish time 3:15:30
(Significant coordination with Berlin Marathon: waivers, insurance policies, multiple support reps. Ormond and McAllister were instrumental in convincing Berlin to allow duo teams to participate.)
2024
5) Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America – 7th place due team, finish time 3:25:19
2025
6) Tokyo Marathon – 1st duo team to ever cross the Tokyo finish line, finish time 3:12:47
(The process to compete as a duo team took two years of coordination with the Tokyo Marathon Foundation and AbbottWWM to allow duo teams to run.)
“The Abbott World Marathon Majors set the standards worldwide for marathon running, and that means working continuously to improve opportunities for all to experience these incredible events. Opening the door to Andrew and Ross to complete their Six Star journey alongside three other duos who were the pioneers for their category in Tokyo was an honor,” said Abbott World Marathon Majors Chief Operating Officer Danny Coyle. “Becoming the first Six Star duo is a title they will hold forever, and we are immensely proud of what that achievement stands for.”
Ormond and McAllister started training in 2017, running two times a week for six to eight miles, increasing to longer runs of 14 to 22 miles. They ran the San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon together in December 2017.
“Running is typically an individual sport, and it’s filled with highs and lows. Running as a duo by pushing a wheelchair is not only more tasking but requires significant logistics,” said Ormond. Ormond and McAllister purchased a racing chair from Hoyt Running Chairs. The Hoyt Foundation in Massachusetts had extensive experience in duo racing. The organization’s founder had designed a racing chair based on personal experience. “Dick Hoyt had pushed his son, Rick, who was wheelchair bound, in a run that changed them forever. Rick shared that he felt like he wasn’t disabled when he was running the race with his dad.”
Ormond made McAllister’s health and safety top priority in training and racing. They ran with headlamps/lights, plotted routes. The training runs would take them all over San Antonio.
“We had a ton of fun,” said McAllister. “We motivated each other. Set goals for each other. We would get lost in the run and conversation.”
Competing in major marathons around the world wasn’t easy. Each race is different and requires significant support and logistics. Cecile and David McAllister, Andrew’s parents, were his SAG (support and gear) team, helping manage his health and safety and travel. The McAllister family cherish a saying, “I’m doing it for Ross.”
“It’s my motivational saying to remind myself that I am not training for myself,” said McAllister. “I am part of a team. If I am at my best, it makes Ross’s job a little easier.”
For someone who may never walk independently; the rush and adrenaline that hits while racing are like none other. “It was such a high,” said McAllister. “Cheering your running partner on and talking to them through the hardest parts of the race is powerful, as is the excitement from the crowd on the sidelines cheering you on. Crossing the finishing line, the overall rush hits you and you know you were a part of a shared experience that you’ll never forget.”
McAllister and Ormond see themselves as an example for others to promote inclusion in marathon running, or for that matter, any other sport. Through all the challenges McAllister faced growing up, he wanted to become an advocate and make a difference in the lives of physically challenged children who were excluded from opportunities to participate with others. In 2008 he began his nonprofit, Believe It Foundation, to uplift physically-challenged children in schools through inclusivity movement.
“I am disabled,” said McAllister. “But after completing these marathons, I’m not afraid to do things anymore. I can go anywhere and do anything with confidence now. I am truly grateful for Ross’s friendship, his faith in me and dedication to our goals.”
The duo team has entered the lottery for the 2025 NYC Marathon, and plan on competing in the inaugural SATX Marathon, formerly the Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon.
“We hope to run Sydney soon, which was just announced as a new World Marathon Major, but will need to secure sponsorships to make that dream a reality. We also plan to run other races (at home and abroad) to continue to bring awareness to the inclusion of athletes with ALL abilities in the running world,” said Ormond.
The Warm Springs Foundation (WSF) has been supporting inclusivity for those with disabilities since its founding. “We are honored to serve with Andrew and are thrilled for both Ross and Andrew for their amazing accomplishments,” said WSF President/CEO Jon Allman. “They are breaking barriers for people with disabilities.”
Built on a legacy of providing hope, WSF was founded in 1937 to serve children stricken with polio, later caring for adults affected by life altering disabilities. Following the sale of Warm Springs Hospital System in 2006, the foundation continued to passionately serve and support organizations who align with the mission of serving people with neuro trauma and amputees like ConnectAbility, an initiative that connects those with life-altering disabilities to community resources.