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Gracie Jenkins Runs a Marathon
The best adventures start with a single step…'What a lively and fresh voice Penny has. So funny too and really resonates with someone who never wants to retire or slow down! Sunday Times bestselling author Phillipa Ashley
Gracie Jenkins thought her days of adventure were behind her. Settled into the familiar rhythms of small-town life, aged 72, she never imaged she'd lace up her trainers for anything more than a stroll down memory lane.
But when a long-forgotten postcard sparks a fire within her, Gracie embarks on an extraordinary journey and sets out to conquer the ultimate training for a marathon.
As Gracie's steps turn into miles, she discovers strength she never knew she had and a community she never expected to find. But it's not just about crossing the finish line—it's about rediscovering herself along the way.
Can Gracie prove to herself, and her loved ones, that age truly is just a number?
The feel-good novel that proves life can begin at any age…all you have to do is get up and go! Perfect for fans of Mike Gayle and Clare Pooley.
Gracie Jenkins thought her days of adventure were behind her. Settled into the familiar rhythms of small-town life, aged 72, she never imaged she'd lace up her trainers for anything more than a stroll down memory lane.
But when a long-forgotten postcard sparks a fire within her, Gracie embarks on an extraordinary journey and sets out to conquer the ultimate training for a marathon.
As Gracie's steps turn into miles, she discovers strength she never knew she had and a community she never expected to find. But it's not just about crossing the finish line—it's about rediscovering herself along the way.
Can Gracie prove to herself, and her loved ones, that age truly is just a number?
The feel-good novel that proves life can begin at any age…all you have to do is get up and go! Perfect for fans of Mike Gayle and Clare Pooley.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2025
20 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 10, 2025
i received this book as an arc
gracie jenkins is a retired teacher and at 72, decides to join a run club with her niece. her neice, emily, is due to run the london marathon for charity but after a turn of events, gracie has to take her place.
i really loved this. it was so sweet and seeing all the different friendships and relationships was so nice. the small town and community vibes were everything. i loved the way that we were in both gracie and jill (her sister)’s point of view as we got so much more out of the story. i would definitely recommend it!
gracie jenkins is a retired teacher and at 72, decides to join a run club with her niece. her neice, emily, is due to run the london marathon for charity but after a turn of events, gracie has to take her place.
i really loved this. it was so sweet and seeing all the different friendships and relationships was so nice. the small town and community vibes were everything. i loved the way that we were in both gracie and jill (her sister)’s point of view as we got so much more out of the story. i would definitely recommend it!
December 8, 2025
Gracie Jenkins you beauty of a woman.
I absolutely adored Gracie and everything about her.
Gracie is loved by everyone. She’s so kind and caring and loves to help others. She’s easy to talk to and get along with especially with children being an ex teacher.
She’s 72 year old and she decided to run a marathon in place of her niece when she suffered an accident. I was in complete and utter awe. Shes never done anything near as extreme as this but Gracie pushed herself, she trained and gave it her all and she did it! She ran the entire marathon.
Her support system was incredible. From her niece to her running club to strangers, the support she was shown was so freaking beautiful to see.
There was a few times when she felt she may not make it but that’s when the support from others kicked in and her determination and she soldiered on until her feet crossed that finish line.
I have so much awe for this woman.
This was my first read for this author and she’s got me completely hooked. Her writing flowed so well and had me captivated…and that ending…I need that to happen in a second book asap! I want to read more Gracie Jenkins!
I absolutely adored Gracie and everything about her.
Gracie is loved by everyone. She’s so kind and caring and loves to help others. She’s easy to talk to and get along with especially with children being an ex teacher.
She’s 72 year old and she decided to run a marathon in place of her niece when she suffered an accident. I was in complete and utter awe. Shes never done anything near as extreme as this but Gracie pushed herself, she trained and gave it her all and she did it! She ran the entire marathon.
Her support system was incredible. From her niece to her running club to strangers, the support she was shown was so freaking beautiful to see.
There was a few times when she felt she may not make it but that’s when the support from others kicked in and her determination and she soldiered on until her feet crossed that finish line.
I have so much awe for this woman.
This was my first read for this author and she’s got me completely hooked. Her writing flowed so well and had me captivated…and that ending…I need that to happen in a second book asap! I want to read more Gracie Jenkins!
September 16, 2025
GRACIE JENKINS RUNS A MARATHON
BY: PENNY MIRREN
I loved that PENNY MIRREN did what so few Author's do today is today is to write a novel with an older Female Main Protagonist that is older than me, but so much heart is reflected in this narrative featuring a 72 year old woman. These days Publishing does every so often represent an older character, but mostly the market is overflowing with it's target audience in their twenties thirties so I was very intrigued to read about a much older character, especially a retired school teacher who takes on such an ambitious goal to run a marathon.
In "GRACIE JENKINS RUNS A MARATHON, it reminded me a lot when I first started running, after having my eldest son, I was running my first race sponsored for charity with under a week to prepare which I was only jogging. Two wonderful friends who were much more experienced talked me into it a couple of decades ago, which I was in shape, but never jogged before, ,and I found it jogging during walking and slowly jogging starting with two miles the week before the race. The running community is so friendly, and helpful to those less experienced. Running is something that I can't remember what inspired me to keep doing it until I ran every day effortlessly building my endurance slowly up to 10 miles per day, and I started slowly pushing my son in a baby jogger.
This is so much more than a story about running, and training for showing that it's never too late just like that old cliche which is true if not banal, and trite. "Every Journey begins with taking the first single step," which in this heartwarming story is relevant in more ways than one. Gracie's mending her relationship with her estranged sister Jill added depth, and as they were another example of our humanity that was part of what made this such an inspirational other dimension that shines like a beacon of hope as well as inspiration. There's a reason that Gracie takes her niece Emily's place in the running of the marathon who is the daughter of Jill who that relationship that was fractured should offer that same hope that it's never too late for healing to occur makes this such a feel good story that's multifaceted beyond just the challenging title. This has a lot of well developed characters, and explores old hurts within family that this narrative explores the importance of family dynamics that also make this about those bonds are significant, which is another reason why I loved this novel since family, close friendships and community has always meant everything to me. There are also alternating chapters which makes this a fast reading experience and richly explores both points of view.
I had read another book by Penny Mirren that I equally loved that had me looking forward to reading this one. U'm so happy I did as I said this is so heartwarming. I'll be recommending this highly to every reader I know who loves a story filled with characters written with depth, and showing that much older characters can step out of their comfort zone that truly inspire. The MFC is much older than me, but I hope that I can keep evolving, and trying new things, and I applaud this author for writing this which as I said that I admire reading about an under represented age group that have much wisdom, and their example that they exude that makes me hope to read whatever this talented Author writes next. This novel deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. Five Stars!
Publication Date: September 11, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley, Penny Mirren, and Avon Books U.K. for generously providing me with my FANTASTIC ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#GracieJenkinsRunsaMarathon #PennyMirren #AvonBooksUK #NetGalley
BY: PENNY MIRREN
I loved that PENNY MIRREN did what so few Author's do today is today is to write a novel with an older Female Main Protagonist that is older than me, but so much heart is reflected in this narrative featuring a 72 year old woman. These days Publishing does every so often represent an older character, but mostly the market is overflowing with it's target audience in their twenties thirties so I was very intrigued to read about a much older character, especially a retired school teacher who takes on such an ambitious goal to run a marathon.
In "GRACIE JENKINS RUNS A MARATHON, it reminded me a lot when I first started running, after having my eldest son, I was running my first race sponsored for charity with under a week to prepare which I was only jogging. Two wonderful friends who were much more experienced talked me into it a couple of decades ago, which I was in shape, but never jogged before, ,and I found it jogging during walking and slowly jogging starting with two miles the week before the race. The running community is so friendly, and helpful to those less experienced. Running is something that I can't remember what inspired me to keep doing it until I ran every day effortlessly building my endurance slowly up to 10 miles per day, and I started slowly pushing my son in a baby jogger.
This is so much more than a story about running, and training for showing that it's never too late just like that old cliche which is true if not banal, and trite. "Every Journey begins with taking the first single step," which in this heartwarming story is relevant in more ways than one. Gracie's mending her relationship with her estranged sister Jill added depth, and as they were another example of our humanity that was part of what made this such an inspirational other dimension that shines like a beacon of hope as well as inspiration. There's a reason that Gracie takes her niece Emily's place in the running of the marathon who is the daughter of Jill who that relationship that was fractured should offer that same hope that it's never too late for healing to occur makes this such a feel good story that's multifaceted beyond just the challenging title. This has a lot of well developed characters, and explores old hurts within family that this narrative explores the importance of family dynamics that also make this about those bonds are significant, which is another reason why I loved this novel since family, close friendships and community has always meant everything to me. There are also alternating chapters which makes this a fast reading experience and richly explores both points of view.
I had read another book by Penny Mirren that I equally loved that had me looking forward to reading this one. U'm so happy I did as I said this is so heartwarming. I'll be recommending this highly to every reader I know who loves a story filled with characters written with depth, and showing that much older characters can step out of their comfort zone that truly inspire. The MFC is much older than me, but I hope that I can keep evolving, and trying new things, and I applaud this author for writing this which as I said that I admire reading about an under represented age group that have much wisdom, and their example that they exude that makes me hope to read whatever this talented Author writes next. This novel deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. Five Stars!
Publication Date: September 11, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley, Penny Mirren, and Avon Books U.K. for generously providing me with my FANTASTIC ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#GracieJenkinsRunsaMarathon #PennyMirren #AvonBooksUK #NetGalley
June 19, 2025
Gracie Jenkins Runs a Marathon by Penny Mirren was an inspirational, heartwarming, and fun read. Gracie is exactly who I want to be in about 30 years!
Gracie is a pensioner who’s drifting through retirement when her estranged sister, Jill, and niece, Emily, move into the same town. Gracie and her niece have developed a good relationship in the interim, and at the beginning of the novel, Emily invites her aunt to join the local running club. Gracie falls in love with running, and so the seeds are planted for the rest of the story.
The main characters are Gracie and her little sister Jill. The POV alternates between the two throughout the book. The different POVs were well done and helped to move the plot line forward nicely. These two were both really relatable, and I could see a lot of similarities between the two sisters and my own sister and myself. It was lovely to see the two of them work toward reconciliation throughout the book.
This is the second book I’ve read by Penny Mirren. The first one was the Unretirement, which I also greatly enjoyed. Some common themes I’ve seen with this author’s work are: older female protagonists finding purpose after retirement, the community coming together to support a good cause, a great supporting cast of characters, and the importance of family bonds.
4/5 Stars. I loved the feel-good vibe of this book! With all the turmoil going on in the world right now, it’s so nice to read a book where the characters support and encourage each other and work together for the betterment of humanity.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penny Mirren, and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Gracie is a pensioner who’s drifting through retirement when her estranged sister, Jill, and niece, Emily, move into the same town. Gracie and her niece have developed a good relationship in the interim, and at the beginning of the novel, Emily invites her aunt to join the local running club. Gracie falls in love with running, and so the seeds are planted for the rest of the story.
The main characters are Gracie and her little sister Jill. The POV alternates between the two throughout the book. The different POVs were well done and helped to move the plot line forward nicely. These two were both really relatable, and I could see a lot of similarities between the two sisters and my own sister and myself. It was lovely to see the two of them work toward reconciliation throughout the book.
This is the second book I’ve read by Penny Mirren. The first one was the Unretirement, which I also greatly enjoyed. Some common themes I’ve seen with this author’s work are: older female protagonists finding purpose after retirement, the community coming together to support a good cause, a great supporting cast of characters, and the importance of family bonds.
4/5 Stars. I loved the feel-good vibe of this book! With all the turmoil going on in the world right now, it’s so nice to read a book where the characters support and encourage each other and work together for the betterment of humanity.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penny Mirren, and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 13, 2025
I’d read Penny Mirren before, so when I was offered Gracie Jenkins Runs a Marathon, I was genuinely excited—and it absolutely delivered. The premise alone is uplifting: a woman in her seventies deciding to run a marathon. But what unfolds is a tender, quietly powerful story about family, friendship, and the unexpected ways we grow when we choose to help others.
When Jill and her daughter Emily move near to Gracie and her husband Andrew, old wounds resurface and the atmosphere between the sisters is strained. But Emily’s warmth and persistence begin to bridge the gap—especially when she encourages Gracie to join a local running club. What starts as a reluctant step outside her comfort zone becomes a lifeline, as Gracie finds friendship, purpose, and a renewed sense of self. The growing bond with Emily gently nudges her closer to Jill, raising the question: can fractured family ties be mended with time, empathy, and a shared goal? And when Emily faces her own setback, it’s Gracie who must decide whether she’s ready to take the baton—and run not just for herself, but for everyone she’s come to love.
This story left me feeling inspired and deeply moved. Gracie’s journey isn’t just about running—it’s about reconciliation, resilience, and rediscovering joy in unexpected places. Penny Mirren writes with warmth and insight, reminding us that it’s never too late to heal old wounds or chase new dreams. I loved every step of Gracie and Jill’s transformations.
When Jill and her daughter Emily move near to Gracie and her husband Andrew, old wounds resurface and the atmosphere between the sisters is strained. But Emily’s warmth and persistence begin to bridge the gap—especially when she encourages Gracie to join a local running club. What starts as a reluctant step outside her comfort zone becomes a lifeline, as Gracie finds friendship, purpose, and a renewed sense of self. The growing bond with Emily gently nudges her closer to Jill, raising the question: can fractured family ties be mended with time, empathy, and a shared goal? And when Emily faces her own setback, it’s Gracie who must decide whether she’s ready to take the baton—and run not just for herself, but for everyone she’s come to love.
This story left me feeling inspired and deeply moved. Gracie’s journey isn’t just about running—it’s about reconciliation, resilience, and rediscovering joy in unexpected places. Penny Mirren writes with warmth and insight, reminding us that it’s never too late to heal old wounds or chase new dreams. I loved every step of Gracie and Jill’s transformations.
September 3, 2025
At 72 years of age Gracie accepts the challenge of running a marathon for a very good cause, alzheimers disease. Her niece Emily was going to do it but due to an unfortunate incident she had to pull out. Gracie likes running but a marathon seems pretty steep. And it is.
Jill her sister and mother of Emily is determined to help her and researches all the best ideas and puts Gracie on a strict training regime. Along side that Emily's husband Andrew a retired scientist comes up with all kinds of "helpful" aids that he crafts in his garage.
Gracie belongs to a group of runners who all meet at a community hall afterwards where Jill runs a day of cheap meals for the local community. It is here that a great eclectic group meet and support each other.
I loved how Gracie handles all this and along with the community things begin to come together for many of them. There's some re-examining of the past, and some new relationships formed and a few surprises along the way.
This is a heart warming story, and it challenges the concepts we have of age. Most of all it points to what can happen when people come together and really look out for each other. I won't be running a marathon but it was inspiring to be alongside Gracie as she gave it her all.
Jill her sister and mother of Emily is determined to help her and researches all the best ideas and puts Gracie on a strict training regime. Along side that Emily's husband Andrew a retired scientist comes up with all kinds of "helpful" aids that he crafts in his garage.
Gracie belongs to a group of runners who all meet at a community hall afterwards where Jill runs a day of cheap meals for the local community. It is here that a great eclectic group meet and support each other.
I loved how Gracie handles all this and along with the community things begin to come together for many of them. There's some re-examining of the past, and some new relationships formed and a few surprises along the way.
This is a heart warming story, and it challenges the concepts we have of age. Most of all it points to what can happen when people come together and really look out for each other. I won't be running a marathon but it was inspiring to be alongside Gracie as she gave it her all.
May 25, 2025
Plan to purchase (for my mom and/or her retirement community). Doesn't get better than that for a recommendation! Definitely a feel good novel with renewing family ties as a central theme.
Gracie decides to start running with her niece's running group ... at the age of 72.
There are lots of dynamics going on.
I don't cry with many books ... and no tears were shed ... but I was pretty close a couple times. I really loved this book. I also really enjoyed Penny Mirren's The Unretirement published May 2024. I'll keep reading her novels. I'm quickly approaching 60 and Penny Mirren's novels have older central characters. Its probably why I like them so much.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Publishing for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Gracie Jenkins Runs a Marathon in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is Sept 11, 2025. Approx 350 pages.
I wish Penny Mirren had included a bit of background in regards to how/why she wrote this book. I guess I'll have to look for that in the final version!
Gracie decides to start running with her niece's running group ... at the age of 72.
There are lots of dynamics going on.
I don't cry with many books ... and no tears were shed ... but I was pretty close a couple times. I really loved this book. I also really enjoyed Penny Mirren's The Unretirement published May 2024. I'll keep reading her novels. I'm quickly approaching 60 and Penny Mirren's novels have older central characters. Its probably why I like them so much.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Publishing for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Gracie Jenkins Runs a Marathon in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is Sept 11, 2025. Approx 350 pages.
I wish Penny Mirren had included a bit of background in regards to how/why she wrote this book. I guess I'll have to look for that in the final version!
September 7, 2025
Gracie Jenkins Runs a Marathon is a feel good read that shows it is never too late to challenge yourself. Gracie is 72 and happily retired from a career in teaching, the last thing anyone expects, including herself, is that she will decide to run the London Marathon, but when she does exactly that it changes her life in so many ways and proves that every adventure starts with just one step.
There is so much warmth and heart in this book, the real highlight for me was the community of characters the author created, from Gracie and her estranged sister Jill to the members of the local running club that Gracie joins, they really came to life on the page and made it easy for me to fee invested in the story. It was wonderful to read about such an energetic and determined older protagonist, but it also felt very realistic as we get to see her struggles as well as her triumphs, nothing was sugar coated. I think I want to be Gracie when I grow up!
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
There is so much warmth and heart in this book, the real highlight for me was the community of characters the author created, from Gracie and her estranged sister Jill to the members of the local running club that Gracie joins, they really came to life on the page and made it easy for me to fee invested in the story. It was wonderful to read about such an energetic and determined older protagonist, but it also felt very realistic as we get to see her struggles as well as her triumphs, nothing was sugar coated. I think I want to be Gracie when I grow up!
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
September 12, 2025
This is one amazing read. Two sisters who come back together after years a part . So much hurt . One ace husband . A great team of runners and a lovely story about running the marathon . Parents have a lot to answer for. A great read and hard to review but you will love it . One of my reads of 2025 .
June 23, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s got humor and heart. It’s a feel good book. The writing is incredible. I actually felt as if I was running the marathon with Gracie. There’s a lot of little life lesson sprinkled throughout the book.
December 15, 2025
Reading this is so much easier than running a marathon. This was a feel-good, heart warming easy read. It was like having a hot chocolate and a chinwag. There was plenty going on.
It has made me want to run along the sea front at Frinton - but I'll wait for warmer weather.
It has made me want to run along the sea front at Frinton - but I'll wait for warmer weather.
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August 12, 2025Review to follow 11 September
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October 5, 2025Brilliant. An easy, undemanding, fun read which draws you in into the lives of members of a running group and their wider circle of friends and family. Inspiring
November 30, 2025
A wonderful feel good book, with a cast of loveable characters. It almost makes me want to take up running again!
January 12, 2026
3.5
Wholesome read, really enjoyed it
Wholesome read, really enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews