Paul Manson Runs Seven Marathons in Seven Days on Mediterranean Cruise
Manson’s route began in Rome past the Colosseum and ended in Sicily, where Mount Etna erupted during his run, leaving him covered in ash.
Scottish ultra trail runner Paul Manson completed seven marathons in seven days during a summer Mediterranean cruise on Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess. The challenge combined runs ashore with a full marathon aboard the ship during a sea day. For the onboard run, Manson said he completed 185 laps to cover the 26.2-mile marathon distance.
Manson told ABC News’ Danny New that he decided to attempt the challenge in August and contacted Princess Cruises before the journey.
“And they were like, ‘Is that even possible?’ And I was like, ‘I don’t know,’” Manson recalled.
Manson, who shares his running adventures on social media under the name “The Random Runner,” began in Rome. His route through the Italian capital passed the Colosseum and other ancient landmarks.
In Naples, he said he ran in temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The challenge also included a marathon through Montenegro’s mountains and two in Greece, with one finishing at Olympia, the site of the first Olympics.
The final marathon took place in Sicily. Manson said Mount Etna was erupting and spewing lava during his run, leaving him covered in ash. He finished the challenge with a celebratory swim in the sea.
ABC News sought comment from Princess Cruises; its account included no statement from the line.
See current Enchanted Princess fares and itineraries on Cruise Lookup.
