Latest headlines from pickupthepacepaul, covering sport, running, with clear attribution and direct links to the original publisher.
On 13th September 2026 I celebrated my birthday. But first, I woke up early to travel to Kew Gardens, to pace the Richmond Run-Fest Marathon. This was my 15th marathon of 2026, 193rd marathon (plus), 142nd time as a pacer (79 marathons). Richmond is relatively local for me, and I love running with this organisation, … More Richmond Run-Fest Marathon 2026 The post Richmond Run-Fest Marathon 2026 appeared first on pickupthepacepaul.
When I wrote my original blog: How to Become a World Marathon Majors Six Star Finisher, the world felt big, but the Abbott World Marathon Majors felt familiar. Six cities. Six stories. Six finish lines that shaped my identity as a runner. My journey began in 2011 after finally getting on the start line for … More From Six Stars to Eight: And the Journey to Nine The post From Six Stars to Eight: And the Journey to Nine appeared first on pickupthepacepaul.
On 26th July 2026 I took part in the San Francisco Marathon. San Francisco Marathon was my 13th marathon of 2026, my 191st Marathon (plus) and my 141st time as an official pacer (including 78 marathons). I love California. We came to California for a “once in a lifetime” trip in 2022. We had booked … More San Francisco Marathon 2026 The post San Francisco Marathon 2026 appeared first on pickupthepacepaul.
Cape Town Marathon 2026 is working towards being Africa’s first major. This year was a very important year for the marathon. It was set for the final assessment in 2025, but unfortunately the race was cancelled because of a storm. The decision was made to defer entries for runners, and also allow 2026 to be … More Cape Town Marathon 2026 The post Cape Town Marathon 2026 appeared first on pickupthepacepaul.
What a race, where do I start. On 3rd May 2026 I ran the Pittsburgh Marathon. Pennsylvania was a new state for me, and a quick trip, leaving Friday after work and landing Bank Holiday Monday, meaning I didn’t need to use any annual leave. I left a warm and sunny UK, and landed in … More Pittsburgh Marathon 2026 The post Pittsburgh Marathon 2026 appeared first on pickupthepacepaul.
On Sunday 26th April 2026, I ran the London Marathon. I make no secret of the fact I think the London Marathon is the best marathon in the world. I have ran a lot of marathons, and there are so many fantastic races out there, but in truth, I am biased. London was my first … More London Marathon 2026 The post London Marathon 2026 appeared first on pickupthepacepaul.
On 12th April 2026 I ran the Milan Marathon for the second time. It was my 7th marathon of 2026, my 185th Marathon (plus) and my 137th time as an official pacer (including 74 marathons). This year I did not travel with family as they were not interested in coming back for a short weekend, … More Milan Marathon 2026 The post Milan Marathon 2026 appeared first on pickupthepacepaul.
On 22nd March 2026 I ran the Rome Marathon. This was my 5th time running, and pacing Rome Marathon, and there have been some significant changes over the years. It was already a fantastic marathon, but the capacity has more than tripled in the past 5 years, and the course has changed multiple times to … More Rome Marathon 2026 The post Rome Marathon 2026 appeared first on pickupthepacepaul.
Every year, after events such as the New York Marathon ballot, timelines fill with excitement, disappointment and unfortunately, frustration aimed in the wrong direction. A familiar comment appears: I didn’t get in, but charity runners did—why should a 6 or 7 hour runner get a place when faster runners missed out? As someone who paces … More Who Deserves to Run a Marathon? The Truth About Ballots, Charity Places & Running for Everyone The post Who Deserves to Run a Marathon? The Truth About Ball
On 1st March 2026, I completed Tokyo Marathon for the second time. The first time I completed the marathon in 2023 (Tokyo Marathon 2023) I also picked up an Abbot World Marathon Majors medal. It is an incredible journey to become a Six Star Finisher, and I wrote about how you become a Six Star … More Tokyo Marathon 2026 The post Tokyo Marathon 2026 appeared first on pickupthepacepaul.
On 22nd February 2026 I took part in the Malta Marathon. This was my 4th Marathon of 2026, my 182nd Marathon (plus) and my 135th time as an official pacer (including 72 marathons). This was a family adventure, so we went out as a family on Thursday, staying for 3 nights, returning on Sunday after … More Malta Marathon 2026 The post Malta Marathon 2026 appeared first on pickupthepacepaul.
