Gracie Jenkins Runs a Marathon
By (Author) Penny Mirren
HarperCollins Publishers
AVON, a division of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
30th December 2025
11th September 2025
United Kingdom
General
Fiction
Contemporary lifestyle fiction
Narrative theme: coming of age
Narrative theme: identity / belonging
Narrative theme: journeys and voyages
Adventure / action fiction
Sports fiction
Paperback
352
Width 129mm, Height 198mm, Spine 22mm
270g
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 challenge: 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 lineit'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 ageall you have to do is get up and go! Perfect for fans of Mike Gayle and Clare Pooley.
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AUTHORS LOVE PENNY MIRREN!
'Funny, uplifting and warm' Sunday Times bestselling author PHILLIPA ASHLEY
'Beautifully written, the characters leap from the page' Million-copy bestselling author SUE MOORCROFT
'An uplifting gem of a novel! Funny, heartwarming and hopeful!' KATE STOREY
'An uplifting celebrationa great big hug of a book.' JULIE MA
'Funny, fresh and gloriously inspiring. I feel joyous after finishing this book.' KATE GALLEY
'A likeable cast of characters, an engaging story and delicious fooda fun, involving read.' JANE LOVERING
'I loved Maggie from the first page and cheered her on through every chapter.' RUTH O'LEARY
Praise for Penny Mirren:
'What a lively and fresh voice Penny has. So funny too and really resonates with someone who never wants to retire or slow down! A breath of fresh air funny, uplifting and warm.' Sunday Times bestselling author PHILLIPA ASHLEY
'Beautifully written, the characters leap from the page' Million-copy bestselling author SUE MOORCROFT
'An uplifting gem of a novel! Funny, heartwarming and hopeful, I devoured it in one weekend!' KATE STOREY, author of The Memory Library
'I devoured this heart-warming story. An uplifting celebration of the diversity and richness of the undiscovered relationships you didnt even know you had in your own local communitya great big hug of a book.' Richard and Judy Book Club author JULIE MA
'Funny, fresh and gloriously inspiring, Maggie shows us that it is never too late to embrace family, community and your own untapped talents. I feel joyous after finishing this book and hungry from all the delicious sounding food.' KATE GALLEY, author of The Second Chance Holiday Club
'A likeable cast of characters, an engaging story and delicious food, all combining to make a fun, involving read.' JANE LOVERING, author of A Cottage Full of Secrets
'Maggie is a wonderful character! I loved her from the first page and cheered her on through every chapter.' RUTH O'LEARY, author of The Weekend Break
READERS LOVE THE UNRETIREMENT:
A must-read for anyone hungry for heartwarming stories!
Maggies zest for life is contagious
Warm, funny and heartwarming I loved the diverse community of characters!
A delightful page turner that proves dreams know no age limit.
Maggie's resilience is as inspiring as her recipes are mouthwatering!
A delightful concoction of laughter, love, and the sweet taste of second chances.
Penny Mirren is the pen name of Samantha Pennington. Sam writes light-hearted, uplifting fiction and romantic comedy. She was selected for the inaugural Kate Nash Literary Agency Mentorship program in 2020 and is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association. Sam lives in rural North Essex and when she's not writing, enjoys being second mate on her husband's tiny fishing boat and reading books for her wine club.