Paula Radcliffe's Incredible Tokyo Marathon Comeback at 51
It’s been a decade since Paula Radcliffe last lined up for a competitive marathon, but today, at 51, she made a stunning return at the Tokyo Marathon. The former world-record holder, who dominated long-distance running for years, wasn’t out to chase records this time—she was there for the experience, for the love of the race, and for a goal she set for herself: completing all six of the World Marathon Majors.
Radcliffe crossed the finish line in an impressive 2 hours, 57 minutes, and 26 seconds—an incredible feat for someone who retired from elite competition in 2015. For perspective, her legendary world record of 2:15:25, set in 2003, remained untouched for 16 years before finally being broken in 2019. And here she was, a decade later, still running strong.
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What makes this achievement even more special is that Tokyo was the missing piece in her quest for the Six Star medal, a coveted honor for runners who complete all six major marathons—London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Tokyo. She had never raced in Tokyo before, as it wasn’t part of the World Marathon Majors during her prime competitive years. Now, she’s just one step away, with Boston coming up next.
Despite dealing with a long-term foot injury, Radcliffe was determined to be part of the Tokyo experience. She made it clear before the race that she wasn’t chasing a fast time, saying, “I really have no time goals whatsoever. It’s about getting out there and being a part of it.” But true to her nature, once she hit the course, her competitive spirit kicked in.
Her return was not just about nostalgia—it was about resilience, passion, and proving that age is just a number. Even though she wasn’t in elite contention, her time was still remarkably strong, showing that she remains one of the greatest marathoners the sport has ever seen.
With Boston on the horizon, Radcliffe is close to achieving her Six Star goal. Whether she runs fast or takes it all in stride, one thing is certain—Paula Radcliffe’s legacy as a marathon legend continues to inspire runners of all generations.
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