Dynamic Duo Set to Conquer All Six World Marathons!

Quick Smiles:

• Michael and Max are set to become one of the first Duo Teams to complete all six Abbott World Marathon Majors.
• Michael’s journey began at age five, inspired by seeing others race.
• Max met Michael through Special Compass, a nonprofit founded by Michael’s dad to support athletes with disabilities.

Michael Sayih and Max Fink are on the brink of a remarkable achievement: becoming one of the first Duo Teams to conquer all six Abbott World Marathon Majors.

The South Florida natives have already raced through the streets of Chicago, New York, Boston, London, and Berlin, and now have their sights set on Tokyo.

Born with cerebral palsy, Michael, 32, was once advised to be institutionalized, but his father, Jim Sayih, had different plans.

“I just really knew, there was no doubt, that he was going to live a life of fulfillment and a life of abundance,” Jim shared.

Michael’s racing journey began at the tender age of five.

“I saw other people doing all these races,” he recalled. “And I told my dad, ‘I want to do it too.’”

Michael’s first race was a duathlon with his dad, who pushed him in a stroller and rode with him on a tandem bike.

Despite a few mishaps during their 30K bike ride, Michael’s enthusiasm never wavered. “His brother said, ‘Hey dad, there’s a 5K coming up. Do you want to do that one?’ So I said, let’s ask Michael.”

Michael “instantly said yes,” Jim recounted.

This determination led Jim to establish Special Compass, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities participate in athletic events.

“Over the years, parents that have kids with disabilities would ask me if I would push their kids in races,” Jim explained.

To ensure Michael could still compete, Jim recruited other athletes to assist.

Special Compass now boasts 132 volunteers and offers running clinics and events in South Florida.

Max’s introduction to Michael and Jim came through Special Compass.

In 2019, while training for the New York City Marathon in honor of his late mother, Max attended a Special Compass 5K in Coral Gables.

“They had a [Special Compass] 5K in Coral Gables and I went there and just got paired with Michael by happenstance,” Max said.

The experience was transformative. “It was one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done in my life.”

Max felt a connection to Michael that reminded him of his mother.

“I definitely think it was a sign from my mom. She brought Michael and Jim and I together,” Max reflected.

“She was this energetic, bubbly woman who only cared about other people other than herself.”

Since their first race, Michael and Max have become a formidable team.

Max noted Michael’s supportive nature during races: “Michael is always smiling, but then he starts to ask me if I’m doing OK, and as soon as he says ‘Max, are you doing OK?’ it means I’ve substantially slowed down.”

Their partnership extends beyond racing.

Michael played a key role in Max’s proposal to his now-wife after the Chicago Marathon and was a groomsman at their wedding.

The Tokyo Marathon will mark a significant milestone for Michael and Max.

This year, the event will allow duo races for the first time, and the pair will be one of three teams participating in the trial in March 2025.

Reflecting on their journey, Michael expressed, “It feels amazing … It feels like my wheelchair is gone and I’m doing the running myself.”

“You’re going to make me cry,” Max responded.

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