Physician-Scientist Dr. Qian Yuan Runs All Seven World Marathon Majors in One Year to Accelerate Food Allergy Research

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Physician-scientist Dr. Qian Yuan is taking on one of the most ambitious endurance challenges in distance running: completing all seven World Marathon Majors in a single year. He will be running Boston to raise awareness of Food Allergy awareness, and the amazing work of the Food Allergy Science Initiative (FASI) has done to move the science of food allergies and associated disorders forward.

Fresh off a personal record at the Tokyo Marathon, where he finished in 4:49:16; Dr. Yuan began his global journey across the marathon circuit. His 2026 marathon schedule includes Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.

As a clinician and researcher focused on food allergies, Dr. Yuan is using this extraordinary challenge to highlight the growing need for scientific progress in the field and to support research aimed at improving prevention and treatment.

“Running a marathon has been a life-changing and transformative experience for me,” said Dr. Yuan. “It challenges me to be both physically and mentally strong, and it also provides an opportunity to raise awareness and support causes related to children’s health and well-being.”

Food allergies affect an estimated 32 million Americans, including millions of children, and can cause life-threatening reactions. Despite the increasing prevalence of the disease, treatment options remain limited.

“Food allergies are both my clinical and research focus,” Dr. Yuan said. “It affects millions of people, including children and adults. By better understanding the underlying mechanisms of food allergy, we can develop improved prevention strategies and treatments.”

Dr. Yuan is running in support of FASI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating discoveries that translate into meaningful clinical advances for patients living with food allergies.

“Dr. Yuan reflects the best of what we hope to see in this field — a clinician and scientist deeply committed to improving the lives of patients with food allergies,” said Carlos Bosques, CEO of FASI. “His decision to take on this global marathon challenge to raise awareness and support for research is inspiring and speaks to the urgency of the work ahead.”

“Dr. Yuan brings extraordinary dedication to both patient care and scientific discovery,” said Christine Olsen, MD, Co-Founder of FASI. “Seeing him take on this challenge to raise awareness and support for food allergy research reflects his deep commitment to advancing the field and bringing hope to families who need it most.”

Dr. Yuan hopes his effort will also help the public better understand the disease and the scientific work underway to address it.

“It is important that people better understand why and how food allergies occur,” he said. “There is exciting and cutting-edge research underway, including work supported by FASI, that gives real hope for better prevention and treatment in the future.”

To learn more about Dr. Yuan’s marathon journey and support food allergy research, visit: https://foodallergyscience.org/qian-yuan-marathon/

About the Food Allergy Science Initiative
The Food Allergy Science Initiative (FASI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating research that leads to improved treatments and prevention strategies for food allergies. By supporting innovative scientific discovery and collaboration across disciplines, FASI aims to translate cutting-edge research into meaningful clinical advances for patients and families affected by food allergies.

Learn more at: www.foodallergyscience.org