This May, in Cape Town, Genadijus completed the final race in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series, achieving an ambitious goal he had set for himself back in 2022 – to run eight of the world’s most prestigious marathons: Berlin, London, Boston, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, Sydney, and Cape Town. The latter was particularly special, as it was held alongside the Age Group World Championships, where Genadijus secured third place in the M65 category. However, as he points out, the finish line itself has never been what matters most.
“Living without challenges and running without a goal is simply not interesting. And although completing my first marathon more than 15 years ago was not easy, it was that experience that inspired me to keep improving year after year”, recalls G. Makuševas.
Photo: 2023 New York Marathon (left) and 2025 Tokyo Marathon (right)
The Beginning of a Marathon Journey
Today, Genadijus runs approximately 3,500 kilometres each year, but it was not always that way. He started running more than 35 years ago, though for a long time it was simply one form of physical activity among many. Everything changed when he decided to challenge himself by running his first marathon.
While preparing for long-distance races, he realised that enthusiasm alone would not be enough. Success required a structured plan, discipline, and patience. That realisation became a turning point and opened the door to high-level running achievements.
Over the past few years, Genadijus has completed all eight marathons in his Abbott World Marathon Majors journey, racing across different continents while consistently delivering strong performances.
Alongside his marathon accomplishments, he has also set several Lithuanian M65 age-group records, demonstrating that these achievements are not one-off successes but the result of long-term dedication, disciplined training, and perseverance.
Genadijus’ Abbott World Marathon Majors Results:
- Cape Town (2026) – 3:09:09
- Tokyo (2025) – 3:13:25
- Sydney (2024) – 3:16:23
- New York (2023) – 3:24:15
- Chicago (2023) – 3:30:25
- Boston (2023) – 3:29:28
- London (2022) – 3:10:48
- Berlin (2022) – 3:11:10
Genadijus’ Lithuanian M65 Records:
- 5 km – 20:59
- 10 km – 42:09
- 1 hour – 13,947 m
- Half marathon – 1:30:15
- Marathon – 3:09:00
According to Genadijus, running is much more than a sport. It is also an opportunity to step away from everyday responsibilities, organise his thoughts, reflect on goals, and simply dedicate time to himself. At the same time, endurance sports teach discipline and consistency – qualities that prove valuable not only on the race course but also in professional life.
"Running and professional life follow the same principles – setting a goal, having a plan and sticking to it," says G. Makuševas.
Photo: 2024 Sydney Marathon (left) and 2026 Cape Town Marathon (right)
Although marathons may seem like an enormous challenge to many people, Genadijus believes that the race itself is not the hardest part. The real challenge lies in consistently following a training plan. Reaching the elite level of world marathons requires more than disciplined preparation. Some races also have qualification requirements, with more than 10,000 athletes included in the global rankings, meaning that the challenge begins long before the starting line.
Preparing for a marathon typically takes around 16 weeks. During this period, Genadijus completes five running sessions each week, gradually increasing his weekly mileage from 50 to 90 kilometres. His training programme includes easy runs, tempo runs, interval sessions, and long-distance runs.
An important part of this process is his coach, I. Brasevičius, with whom he has worked for many years and whom he credits for professional guidance and continuous motivation. His routine also includes general fitness training in the gym, while volleyball and padel are among his preferred leisure-time activities.
An Inspiration to Others
Running is not Genadijus' only active passion. Over the past decade, he has also climbed several remarkable peaks: Avicenna Peak (Lenin Peak) in Kyrgyzstan (7,134 m) in 2016, Muztag Ata in China (7,546 m) in 2017, Manaslu in Nepal (8,163 m) in 2019, Aconcagua in Argentina (6,961 m) in 2024, and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (5,895 m) in 2026. Several of these expeditions were recognised in the Lithuanian Mountaineering Championship, where he earned podium finishes for his ascents of Avicenna Peak, Muztag Ata and Manaslu.
Lithuanian Mountaineering Championship Results:
- 3rd place – Avicenna Peak (Lenin Peak), 7,134 m
- 2nd place – Muztagh Ata, 7,546 m
- 2nd place – Manaslu, 8,163 m
Photo: Climbing Manaslu, Nepal (8,163 m), 2019
Photo: Climbing Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (5,895 m), 2026
Genadijus’ determination, consistent effort, and sporting achievements not only motivate him to pursue new challenges but also inspire colleagues and team members around him. An active lifestyle is an integral part of the culture at Grant Thornton Baltic, where employee wellbeing and productivity are key priorities.
The company supports a variety of sporting initiatives across Lithuania and provides employees with opportunities to choose from different physical activities and participate in them free of charge.
"Naturally, running or marathons are not for everyone, but it is rewarding to see each person finding the activity that suits them best – whether it is padel, volleyball, tennis, triathlon, or another sport," says Genadijus. He also emphasises that while physical activity is not a direct cause of professional success, it helps maintain a positive mindset, cope with stress more effectively, and provides extra energy for everyday challenges.
This mindset is also reflected in Genadijus’ sporting goals. Completing all eight Abbott World Marathon Majors races is a significant achievement, but for him, the most important thing is not simply reaching a goal – it is maintaining the desire to keep improving.
According to Genadijus, both in sport and in professional life, it is important to appreciate achievements and celebrate results, while never losing the drive to keep moving forward.