World Heritage Majors Logo

Management

Leadership dedicated to connecting heritage preservation with global running excellence

GS

Message from the General Secretary

Dr. Elena Vasquez

"When we founded the World Heritage Majors Marathon Charity Series, we envisioned more than just another running event. We saw an opportunity to create a global movement that honors our planet's most precious cultural treasures while harnessing the incredible power of human endurance for charitable good.
Every step taken by our runners across ancient cobblestones in Rome, through the misty mountains of Machu Picchu, or along the historic walls of Edinburgh, represents a commitment to preserving these sites for future generations. Our unique bead collection system transforms individual achievement into collective impact.
Today, with over 15,000 active runners across 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, we have proven that sport can be a powerful force for cultural preservation and community support. Together, we have raised over $2.4 million for heritage conservation and local charities, demonstrating that when passion meets purpose, extraordinary things happen.
I invite you to join our global family of heritage runners. Whether this is your first marathon or your fiftieth, whether you seek personal challenge or global impact, there is a place for you in our community. Together, we run not just for ourselves, but for the preservation of humanity's greatest treasures."

Dr. Elena Vasquez

General Secretary

World Heritage Majors Foundation

Organizational Structure

Board of Directors

CH

Lord Christopher Hamilton

Chairman of the Board

Former UK Ambassador to UNESCO, heritage conservation advocate with 25 years of international diplomatic experience.

AT

Prof. Akiko Tanaka

Vice Chairman

World-renowned archaeologist and UNESCO World Heritage Committee member, specialist in Asian heritage sites.

MK

Michael Kowalski

Board Treasurer

Former CFO of major international charity organizations, expert in non-profit financial management and transparency.

Executive Leadership

EV

Dr. Elena Vasquez

General Secretary

Former Olympic athlete, UNESCO ambassador, 15 years non-profit leadership

MR

Maria Rodriguez

Chief Executive Officer

Former Olympic marathon medalist, international race organization specialist

JC

James Chen

Chief Operating Officer

Global event management, heritage site coordination, logistics specialist

SJ

Sarah Johnson

Chief Financial Officer

Certified CPA, charity financial management, transparency and reporting

Department Heads

RC
Robert Chen

Race Operations

Global race coordination and safety management

LP
Lisa Park

Heritage Relations

UNESCO partnerships and site coordination

DA
David Anderson

Technology

Digital platform and bead tracking systems

AM
Anna Martinez

Charity Partnerships

Local charity relationships and impact measurement

TW
Thomas Wilson

Communications

Marketing, media relations, and community engagement

KL
Karen Lee

Runner Services

Registration, support, and community management

Advisory Board

Dr. Ahmed Hassan

UNESCO Representative

World Heritage Site preservation specialist

Paula Radcliffe

Athletics Ambassador

Former world record holder, marathon legend

Prof. Giovanni Romano

Cultural Heritage Expert

Italian heritage sites and preservation authority

Catherine McKenna

Charity Sector Advisor

International development and fundraising expert

Our Values

Transparency

Open financial reporting and clear impact measurement for all our activities

Excellence

Highest standards in race organization, safety, and heritage site respect

Inclusion

Welcoming runners of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels

Impact

Measurable positive change for heritage preservation and local communities

Governance

Annual Reports

We publish comprehensive annual reports detailing our financial performance, impact metrics, and strategic objectives.

Independent Auditing

All finances are audited annually by independent certified public accountants to ensure transparency and accountability.

Board Oversight

Our Board of Directors meets quarterly and provides strategic guidance while ensuring proper governance and ethical conduct.