ROYALTY RETURNS
Paula Radcliffe is back in the marathon, on a mission fueled by passion and perseverance
WORDS: DANNY COYLE
Sport loves a comeback story.
After years of dominating the sport, Paula Radcliffe was the queen of marathon running.
In 2015 she bid an emotional farewell to the distance with one last tour of the streets of London.
Ten years on, the roads have called her back again, but this time her pursuit is not for records or accolades but to rekindle the camaraderie and spirit of the marathon community, and to achieve an Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star finish, all while shining the brightest light possible on a cause incredibly close to home.
Radcliffe’s name is etched in marathon history. From her groundbreaking world record of 2:15:25 at the 2003 London Marathon to victories in Chicago, New York, and multiple London races, her achievements inspired a generation of runners and made her a household name that still represents the benchmark in British women’s marathon running. Until 2024, she still held the women’s only world record.
After retiring in 2015, Radcliffe’s focus shifted to family, commentary work, and supporting the running community. Despite leaving the competitive spotlight, her love for running never waned.
This year, Radcliffe is taking on the challenge of completing the Tokyo and Boston Marathons, to complete her Six Star journey. “It’s always been a bucket list goal,” she reflects. “The camaraderie within the marathon family is special, and this is about experiencing that spirit again.”
She will join the likes of other women’s running luminaries such as Joan Benoit Samuelson, Edna Kiplagat and Deena Kastor as Six Star Finishers. Some company.
“The camaraderie within the marathon family is special, and this is about experiencing that spirit again.”
The Challenges of a Comeback
Unlike her earlier career, Radcliffe’s preparation for these marathons comes with its own set of hurdles. Now balancing her roles as a mother to two teenagers and as a BBC athletics commentator, her life is a whirlwind of responsibilities. “It’s taken me a while to get to the point where I thought, ‘Maybe my foot can handle this,’” she shares, referring to her osteoarthritic foot, which requires careful management.
Training for her return, Radcliffe has adapted her approach, keeping her mileage below 50 miles per week to avoid injury. Flexibility and listening to her body have become essential components of her routine. “If I do a long run, I’ll take the next day off or cross-train. It’s about staying healthy and appreciating the ability to run again.”
Radcliffe also acknowledges the shift in her mindset. Gone are the days of obsessing over times and splits. Now, it’s about enjoying the experience and helping others along the way. In Tokyo, she hopes to pace runners to their goals, emphasizing the collective journey over individual performance.
A Family Affair
Her comeback coincides with a milestone for her daughter, Isla, who is preparing for her first marathon in London. A junior ambassador for Children with Cancer UK, Isla’s participation highlights her resilience after winning her own battle with cancer. “I’m so proud of her,” Radcliffe says. “She’s inspired by the atmosphere and wants to be part of that experience.”
For Radcliffe, running has always been a family affair. Her own passion was ignited watching her father run the London Marathon in 1985. Now, with Isla joining the fold, it’s a poignant continuation of that legacy. “It feels like we’re honoring him and embracing the spirit of three generations taking part in the sport.”
Radcliffe’s return also offers her a unique vantage point on how marathoning has evolved. Advances in shoe technology, nutrition, and training have led to astonishing performances in recent years. “The times being run now are mind-blowing,” she admits. While she ponders what her own times might have been with today’s innovations, she’s quick to celebrate the progress. “It’s exciting to see how far the sport has come.”
However, her appreciation for the sport extends beyond records. “In a marathon, you’re surrounded by thousands of people, all going through the same challenges and discovering more about themselves with every step. That’s what makes it so special.”
Giving Back
Through her podcast, in partnership with Children with Cancer UK and hosted with fellow runner Chris Thompson, Radcliffe is also sharing her wealth of knowledge with aspiring marathoners. Focused on demystifying the marathon experience, the podcast covers everything from training mishaps to race-day nerves. It’s a platform for runners to connect, learn, and feel supported. “We want people to ask anything,” Radcliffe says. “No question is too small or silly.”
As Radcliffe prepares for her upcoming races, she does so not with a burning desire to reclaim past glories but to celebrating the transformative power of running. “This is a chance to enjoy the marathon in a different way,” she says. “To be part of a global family and give back to the sport that’s given me so much.”
For Paula Radcliffe, this comeback is more than a return to the roads. It’s a tribute to resilience, community, and the enduring joy of running—proof that the marathon’s true magic lies not just in crossing the finish line but in the journey itself.
The Power of Paula
There is no doubt that Paula Radcliffe is one of the greatest female runners in history. Here are some of her most notable achievements, both on and off the track…
Marathon World Record
Radcliffe set the women’s world record at the 2003 London Marathon with a time of 2:15:25 which remained unbroken for 16 years.
Abbott World Marathon Major Victories
Paula has won London three times in 2002, 2003 and 2005. She also claimed victory in New York City Marathon in 2004, 2007 and 2008. There was another victory at the 2002 Bank of America Chicago Marathon where she ran a time of 2:17:18, which was her personal best and new world best until her world record run in 2003.
Marathon Titles and Wins
Paula has won more than 10 marathons, making her one of the most decorated marathon runners in history.
World Championships
Radcliffe won the World Half Marathon Championships in 2000 and 2001 and the World Marathon Championship in 2005 with a time of 2:20:57 in Helsinki. She also won the 2002 World Cross Country Championships and the 2002 European Championships in the 10,000 meters.
Commonwealth Games
In 2002, Paula won the Commonwealth Games gold medal in the 5,000 meters in Manchester, setting a Games record.
10,000m British Record
She held the British 10,000m track record for 21 years after clocking 30:01.09 in Munich in 2002. It was finally broken by Eilish McColgan in 2023.
Notable Awards
Radcliffe’s running career has seen her receive numerous accolades, including the Laureus World Sports Award for Best Comeback in 2008 and AIMS World Athlete of the Year on three occasions. Paula has also claimed the title World Athlete of the Year in 2002. She was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2002 and is a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
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