26.2 Miles to Happiness : A Comedian’s Tale of Running, Red Wine and Redemption

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.

Paul Tonkinson is the well-known stand-up who has been presenting radio shows and appearing on television regularly for almost thirty years. 26.2 Miles to Happiness charts his quest to beat the much lauded 3-hour mark at the London Marathon. But this is not simply a story about beating The Wall. This is a story to show runners and non-runners alike how one of life's simple pleasures really can make everything better.

Along the way, we are introduced to the characters helping Paul with his quest. There is wit and wisdom from celebrity names such as Bryony Gordon, Russell Howard, Roisin Conaty and Vassos Alexander. There's even an alpine adventure to the Mayr Clinic with Michael McIntyre that pushes Paul to the limit. And not forgetting the "words of wisdom" from Paul's anti-running friend, Richard.

Ultimately, Paul is one of us. He is our consoling friend. The everyman who goes through extreme pain and battles with his own personal demons, but comes out the other side smiling. And this book will show you why.

“I couldn't put it down... insightful, inspiring and laugh-out-loud funny!” —Michael McIntyre

“This book is that rare thing - something that actually makes me WANT to run another marathon. Utterly joyous!” —Bryony Gordon

“The funniest book about running I have ever read. In fact it is the only book about running I have ever read, but it is HILARIOUS!” —David Walliams

“Enjoyed it enormously. Pain. Hope. Misery. Joy. All the big stuff. Excellent.” —Dara Ó Briain

“What a brilliant, funny and above all, inspiring book. I read it in three days flat. I literally raced through it as though running alongside Paul.” —Tim Vine

“This book is funny (which I expected) and concerns running (ditto), but it is also exceptionally moving and profound. Don't be fooled: it's not really about completing a marathon. It's about life and all its joy and weirdness. Recommended to all, even those who jog no further than the fridge.” —Miranda Sawyer

“Funny and captivating, even persuasive. A book that memorably and joyously illustrates how we can find our escape and ourselves by switching off from the rest of the world that actually switches us on.” —Robin Ince

“Excellent... Extremely talented. Brilliant.” —Time Out

“Very good book... very funny, very insightful, very inspiring” —Chris Evans, Virgin Radio

“Fabulous book” —OJ Borg, Radio 2

“You don't have to be a runner to enjoy 26.2 Miles to Happiness” —The Scotsman

“Hilarious” —Daily Mail

“This inspiring and honest memoir is laugh-out-loud funny for experienced runners and couch potatoes alike. An absolute must-read” —Women's Fitness