On 14 April 2024, I finally returned to run the Limassol Marathon. Limassol may not have the biggest marathon, but it has become one of my families favourite destinations for a lovely holiday and run. We first travelled to Limassol in 2017 so I could run the marathon, then I returned for Limassol Marathon 2018 and Limassol Marathon 2019 to lead the pace team. I would have continued, but covid and subsequent date clashes meant that we didn’t return until 2024. Limassol Marathon 2024 was my 4th time running Limassol, my 152nd Marathon (plus), and the 112th event as an official pacer (49th Marath ..read more

On 7 April 2024, I took part in Paris Marathon for the 3rd time. This was my 151st Marathon (or further). I had originally planned the Paris Marathon to be my goal race for the year, with an aim of sub 3. After a 3:30 in 2015 and pacing the sub 4 #funbus in 2019 (see Paris Marathon 2019 blog here), it felt like a good target to aim for a PB in Paris. My Paris Marathon finishes The reality is that not all runs are going to go to plan. There are many factors that come into play, but long before going to Paris, I knew that I was way off a PB. Life has been full on, and training for a sub 3 has no ..read more

On 17 March 2024, I returned to run the eternal city of Rome. This was my 3rd time running Rome Marathon, but this year, it was extra special. Each year, the marathon has been getting bigger, and with over 15,000 runners this year, the course direction was changed. Rather than the spectacular backdrop of the Colosseum as we started, we had the pleasure to run towards and around the Colosseum to start, and also at the finish, which enhanced the experience. Rome Marathon This was also a milestone race for me, finishing my 150th marathon towards the 100 marathon club (including Ironman and Ultra ..read more

On 18 February 2024, I took part in the Seville Marathon. Sevilla was a beautiful location for a marathon and a family holiday. When considering races, I always look first at school holidays, to consider options available when my children are not at school, and Seville was perfect. We decided to travel on Thursday until Sunday, needing to leave after the marathon as my children returned back to school. The weather was beautiful, averaging 19⁰c with a high of 24⁰c on race day, which was a little warm for running, but perfect holiday weather. Sevilla Expo This was the first time taking part in S ..read more

On 28 January 2024, I ran my second marathon of the year. Once again, I joined Phoenix Running Events on the tow path at Walton-on-Thames. This time, the theme was unicorns, so naturally, I wore one of my Boston Marathon tops for the occasion. This was my 148th event for the 100 Marathon club, including 129 marathons, 12 ultra marathons, and 7 Ironman. Unicorn Run I was given a lift to the start, which meant I was available to start at 06:30. The Thames Path was pitch black, and I took the first 2 of 8 laps very slowly as I navigated the route wearing a head torch. I always use these events as ..read more

On 14th January 2024, I ran the Doughnut Dash with Phoenix Running events. Whilst this is a lapped event, with various options of distance, I always choose the marathon, which is 8 laps. After a busy year last year, I know I will run fewer marathons in 2024, but I have started strong with Marathon 1 of 2024 complete. This brings my total for the 100 marathon club to 147 (128 x marathons, 12 x ultra marathons, and 7 x Ironman). Best aid station ever What great motivation to get active in January, Doughnuts, lots of Doughnuts. This event attracted a big turnout. To be fair, I didn’t have any dou ..read more

On 16 December 2023, I took part in the Barbie vs. Ken run. In typical Phoenix Running events style, it was a timed event with the ability to complete as many laps as you want. 4 laps are an official half marathon, and 8 laps are an official marathon. Naturally, I completed 8 laps for a marathon. After completing 30 marathons in 2023, I felt the need to fit one last race in. I had no time pressures or any goal other than to have fun. So, when looking at the various options available, a Barbie and Ken theme certainly jumped to the top of my list. Any excuse to dress up and have a bit of fun, al ..read more

On 19 November 2023, I took part in the 6th edition of the Larnaka Marathon. I was also fortunate enough to be part of the inaugural pace team for Larnaka Marathon. My challenge of completing 26 marathons in 52 weeks for Cancer Research has extended, and Larnaka Marathon was my 30th marathon of 2023. This was my 145th marathon (plus) and my 108th time as a pacer, 46 times for the marathon distance. It is clear that I have done a lot this year, both running marathons and travelling, and this has taken its toll on my body. I have still been feeling unwell since early September. I am go ..read more

The Abbott World Marathon Majors are a collection of some of the biggest and best marathons in the world. They currently consist of: Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and New York City Marathon. Together, these six marathons make up the Abbott World Marathon Majors, and if you complete all of these marathons, you are rewarded with a Six Star Medal. I wrote a blog previously about “How to become a World Marathon Majors Six Star Finisher,” including details of how you can gain entry and likely costs. Many people around the world are on their Six ..read more

On 5th November 2023, I had the privilege of taking part in the New York City Marathon. It has been a very busy year, but when I received my six star medal in Tokyo Marathon, and I had an entry for Boston Marathon, I knew this was a limited opportunity for me to go for the world marathon majors slam. This was a very expensive decision to make, but as I am in the position that I could afford it, I had this as a challenge alongside completing 26 marathons in 52 weeks for Cancer Research. The New York Marathon was my 144th marathon (plus) and my 29th marathon of 2023. It was my 107th time as a pa ..read more