26.2 Miles to Happiness

WINNER OF THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2021 - SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT BOOK OF THE YEAR The hilarious trials and tribulations of stand-up comedian Paul Tonkinson as he attempts to beat the much lauded 3-hour mark at the London Marathon. Along the way, we are introduced to the characters helping Paul with his quest. Celebrity names such as Bryony Gordon, Russell Howard, Roisin Conaty and Vassos Alexander pop up with wit and wisdom, alongside an alpine adventure to the Mayr Clinic with Michael McIntyre that pushes Paul to the limit. And not forgetting the 'words of wisdom' and derision from Paul's anti-running friend, Richard. With a supporting cast of fellow comedians, this is a warmly written and wonderfully honest adventure-through-sport that will both entertain and inspire.

Paul Tonkinson has been a regular on the UK comedy circuit for over 25 years, playing both public gigs and corporate events, and regularly taking shows to the Edinburgh Festival. He was a presenter on Channel 4's Big Breakfast and has regularly appeared on the BBC, ITV and Sky1. Paul is one half of the podcast Running Commentary with Rob Deering. Paul also writes a monthly column for Runner's World magazine.

Preface 5.45 a.m. Race Day Part 1 Beginning: Miles 1-13 1 November. Five months before the marathon. A conversation with Richard 2 Scarborough 1981. The First run London Marathon. Mile 1 3 2 January. Flat white orgy 4 4 January. In da club 5 Two days later. Bryony Gordan drags us south of the river 6 Mid February. McIntyre Mayr madness 7 10 February. This is a journey into time. Mile 10. Rotherhithe. Observations from the pack. 8 Scarborough 1982, 5:30 a.m. Teenage kicks for free 9 Crouch End. Dirty Burger. Richard gets behind the sub-3 goal 10 Late February. Tuesday track. The voices, the voices Mile 13 Wapping. Halfway but NOT Part 2 The Monster: Miles 13-20 11 What's that coming over the hill? 12 Why this is not a misery memoir 13 Happy talking, talking happy talk 14 Early March. You are my hero Mile 16. Isle of Dogs. Peaking 15 Six weeks to go. The life of the hero 16 Five weeks before the marathon in Cuba 17 The hardest week. 26 March - 2 April. 58 1/2 miles 18 Pantsgate Mile 18. Isle of Dogs to Canary Wharf. Crossing over 19 York marathon. There are things we don't know we don't know 20 Meaningful mantras. Rudeness 21 The juice Part 3: The Battle: Miles 20-24 Mile 20. Poplar. Here we go again 22 Super Mario Catch-Up Miles 21, 22. Limehouse to Shadwell. Knocked out 23 Black Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Three weeks before the marathon Mile 23 1/2. Approaching the Embankment. A bearded intervention 24 Two weeks before the marathon. Owning Richard Part 4 Tipping Point Mile 24. Blackfriars. The magical possibility Part 5 Better 25 Mile 25. The final corner 26 Finished 26.2 Bonita Acknowledgements