Running 12 marathons in a year

2025 I had big dreams and ambitions. I turned 40 this year and by spring I thought I should give myself a birthday gift to run 12 marathons during 2025 meaning 12 smaller or bigger trips. It started off in freezing Bratislava, Slovakia in April and then it continued. Life came in between in the summer and I had a hard time to motivate me following it through. I did not in the end. Finished 11,5. My final one was Neujahrsmarathon 31 December in Zürich but it was -8 degrees and when I was shaking and completely frozen after 21K I gave up. I could have finsihed it but for what? The whole thing was a fun challenge and I did not made it this time. Fair enough. I have collected the running stories here on my blog but the last ones only stayed in draft on my phone so will make some small recaps of the last races.

Venice marathon

End of October I flew to Venice in Italy for a weekend. Magic weather and the city I visited during Covid times I expected to be very crowded now. It was not though. Loved every minute strolling around on the streets on Saturday, eating nice Italian food and doing people watching. Sundays run started very early. The marathon start was in a village 42K away from San Marco plaza so we all had to go there with the busses. It reminded me about New York Marathon sitting outside and freezing for hours before the start took place but then it was all forgotten. The course was very beautiful through villages with cheering locals. I really enjoyed it. Had a great feeling and started to push for a PB. 30K into the race the fun was over after trying out a gel of a for me new brand. Stomache cramps that turned into vomitting and then it was good night.

Not to the race but to a PB. The last 10K was very beautiful crossing all bridges over the world heritage islands and it was a truely great race in all aspects. Except my tummy problems. Life didn’t ended there I still managed sub 4 and after I gave myself an aperol and pizza which 1/3rd was eaten by a bird that came and stole it. Both the run and visiting Venice in October i can recommend.

Shanghai marathon

Then Shanghai marathon came. A dream became true. I applied for the run a few times but during the summer I opened the email and this time was my turn to be lucky in the lottery and get a spot. Last time I was in Shanghai was about 8-9 years ago and loved every minute of the four days when I was back. No I did not loved every minute. 20 minutes during the end of the run I did not liked. But lesson learned I need a better breakfast before a marathon than a Snickers and some canned mango. In China it is though hard to get some proper breakfast and I got the best I found at 7eleven the night before. My energy on during the race was not as it should have been with some proper fuel. I had to fight unnesseccary.

The race was one of the best marathons I ever done in all aspects. From race number pickup to finish line at Shanghai stadium. Sub 4 I managed also here which is kind of a standard I have for a marathon. Enjoyed four days in a city I like a lot. The mix between old and new filled with people from all over the world. I didn’t wanted the days to be over and was very, very sad to leave and the 13 hours on the plane back I was hoping they turned around and went back. Hope to get back soon.

Malaga marathon

Mid December I headed to Malaga in Spain for the 11th marathon. Just two weeks after Shanghai. I knew I was in quite a good running shape but all I wanted this weekend was to sit out in the sun, feel the heath and visit all nice bars. I had to run and it was hard to get up that Sunday morning. Was thinking so many times when I was in the start corral why I am doing this. Wanted to go back to my bed and sleep. Motivation level was zero. The run started and suddenly I was a bit more awake, checked my watch and kept a steady pace of around 5 min/km. Wasn’t bothering to much about pace and just went with the flow.

It felt like another world to run without freezing and layer after layer of clothes while watching the ocean. I forgot I was running and it didn’t took long until I had done half of it. The day was pretty windy so I knew it would be tough the last 10K when we turned and was openly exposed towards the seafront. It was tough with the strong headwinds. I had a good day in my running shoes though. Great energy and that I wanted to stay in bed was thoughts I left behind. I was fighting a new PB. That I knew after 30K when I knew I would make it it was just a question with how much. Finished like a happy winner with around 2 min improved PB to 3:38ish. The race was great and course aswell. Happy ending and I didn’t wanted to leave going back to the cold and dark. Viva Espania!

Neujahrsmarathon, Zürich

I thought this was going to be a nice end of my 12 marathons. Starting at midnight 31 December. When I saw the weather forecast and that it was going to be close to -10 degrees I revised my goal knowing that I would not make the full marathon. My body simply doesn’t like running in cold. The race had runners from 51 countries that wanted to celebrate new years with a race. 10K, 21K and full marathon was the distances. I aimed for 10K when I got there but managed 21K. Fair enough. Deep frozen I took the train back home for a long, long shower and to sleep under double covers to get back the heath. I don’t think I will run this race again. But never say never. It was a special thing to run during New Years eve but I prefer more traditional celebrations in a sparkling dress.

2026 running outlook

That was my marathon year 2025. For me it was not very difficult to run these many marathons. The day after I felt I had been moving but two days after I was always fit for running again. We all have different training backgrounds and for me that have been running since I was a kid and doing sports my whole life without any break I cannot even think of one week in my whole life I had not done any sports in I am used to training and also training very hard during many years in my teens with average 18-20 hours a week. For 2026 I aim for doing more half marathons. Some marathons but not 11. Time will tell how it goes but first before thinking about any running projects I hope I can get my everyday life that I miss each and every day back. Do you have any running goals for 2026?

/ Pernilla that love running abroad races