Paula Radcliffe documentary released as marathon comeback takes center stage
paula radcliffe is back in the spotlight after Abbott World Marathon Majors released a new documentary tracking her pursuit of the Six Star medal. The film, titled Paula Radcliffe: Chasing Stars, follows the former world record holder as she returns to the roads after retiring from competitive marathon running in 2015. The documentary premiered in London on April 23, 2026 ET and is now available for public viewing.
Paula Radcliffe and the Six Star chase
The documentary centers on Paula Radcliffe’s effort to complete the six original races in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series. The organisation says the film captures Radcliffe’s return in 2025, when she ran the Tokyo and Boston marathons a decade after stepping away from elite competition.
Abbott World Marathon Majors said the feature also reflects on a career that included three New York City Marathon victories, a win in Chicago in 2002, and three London Marathon titles. The organisation oversees the global marathon series and also runs elite points-based competitions and the Age Group World Rankings for athletes aged 40 and over.
What the film shows
Paula Radcliffe’s story in the documentary is not only about medals. The film highlights the long-standing foot injuries she dealt with while preparing to run two marathons in a six-week span. It also includes her children, Isla and Raphael, and places special focus on Isla’s appearance at the 2025 TCS London Marathon after recovering from cancer.
Dawna Stone, chief executive officer at Abbott World Marathon Majors, said the organisation was honoured to document the journey after Radcliffe’s career and described her return as a testament to the power of the races. Radcliffe said the Six Star medal was always something she knew was out there, adding that her challenge was making sure her foot could stand up to the demands she placed on it while still enjoying the races like thousands of others.
Paula Radcliffe in wider context
The release also ties into the broader legacy of Paula Radcliffe, who remains one of the sport’s most recognized figures through her marathon, half-marathon, and cross-country success. Her career included two world records and a world championship gold medal, and she also hosts Paula’s Run Club, a podcast and community platform for runners of all abilities.
Recent coverage has also pointed to the personal side of her life, including her family and the challenges around Isla’s cancer recovery. Against that backdrop, the documentary frames Paula Radcliffe not only as a champion returning to competition, but as an athlete revisiting the sport on her own terms.
With the film now available for public viewing, attention will shift to how widely Paula Radcliffe: Chasing Stars resonates with runners and marathon fans. For Abbott World Marathon Majors, the release keeps Paula Radcliffe at the center of the Six Star medal conversation just as the 2026 marathon season gathers pace in ET terms.
