Management
Leadership dedicated to connecting heritage preservation with global running excellence
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
Lord Christopher Hamilton
Chairman of the Board
Former UK Ambassador to UNESCO, heritage conservation advocate with 25 years of international diplomatic experience.
Prof. Akiko Tanaka
Vice Chairman
World-renowned archaeologist and UNESCO World Heritage Committee member, specialist in Asian heritage sites.
Michael Kowalski
Board Treasurer
Former CFO of major international charity organizations, expert in non-profit financial management and transparency.
Executive Leadership
Dr. Elena Vasquez
General Secretary
Former Olympic athlete, UNESCO ambassador, 15 years non-profit leadership
Maria Rodriguez
Chief Executive Officer
Former Olympic marathon medalist, international race organization specialist
James Chen
Chief Operating Officer
Global event management, heritage site coordination, logistics specialist
Sarah Johnson
Chief Financial Officer
Certified CPA, charity financial management, transparency and reporting
Department Heads
Robert Chen
Race Operations
Global race coordination and safety management
Lisa Park
Heritage Relations
UNESCO partnerships and site coordination
David Anderson
Technology
Digital platform and bead tracking systems
Anna Martinez
Charity Partnerships
Local charity relationships and impact measurement
Thomas Wilson
Communications
Marketing, media relations, and community engagement
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.