Legendary British distance runner Paula Radcliffe will head to the island to be the honorary guest speaker at the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge in January.

Radcliffe is a three-times winner of the London Marathon (2002, 2003, 2005) and the New York City Marathon (2004, 2007, 2008). She also won the 2002 Chicago Marathon and was the 2005 World Marathon Champion.

The 51-year-old held the women’s world marathon record for 16 years from 2003 to 2019, when her time of 2hrs 15min 25sec was broken by Brigid Kosgei at the Chicago Marathon.

It is not only on the roads that Radcliffe made her mark as she was a European champion and runner-up at the World Championships in the 10,000 metres. She captured the 5,000 metres title at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and represented Great Britain in four consecutive Olympic Games (1996 to 2008).

Radcliffe was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2002 and was named World Athletics Athlete of the Year. She was inducted into the England Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010, sits on World Athletics’ Athletes Commission and Cross-Country Committee, and was also on a World Health Organisation Commission on ending childhood obesity as well as advising various IOC commissions from the athlete perspective.

Competitors in the Triangle Challenge and running fans on island will get the chance to hear Radcliffe speak at the Bermuda Triangle Challenge Pasta Dinner, presented and hosted by Global Atlantic Re, on Saturday January 17 at 6pm, at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

Tickets for the Pasta Dinner cost $50 per person and are available for purchase on the event website.

Darryl Herrick, managing director of Global Atlantic Re, is delighted that the event has attracted one of the sport’s biggest names.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paula Radcliffe to Bermuda for the 2026 Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge,” he said.

“Her legacy in long-distance running and her commitment to inspiring athletes around the world align perfectly with the spirit of this event. Global Atlantic Re is proud to support a weekend that celebrates endurance, excellence, and community. Paula’s presence will undoubtedly elevate the experience for participants and guests alike, bringing unmatched energy and inspiration to the weekend.”

Anna Laura Hocking, marketing director for the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge, has first-hand experience of Radcliffe’s public speaking.

“Paula Radcliffe is a name synonymous with marathon excellence and world records,” she said.

“Recognised as one of the greatest female marathoners in history, having her join us in Bermuda will be an incredible honour. A legend in the world of endurance running, Paula continues to inspire athletes around the globe. I recently had the privilege of meeting her at the 2025 Boston Marathon, where she not only competed but also spoke at the marathon expo, captivating everyone with her passion and humility.

We are confident that her involvement will help attract more overseas runners to Bermuda for an unforgettable weekend of racing around our beautiful island.”

Samantha Froud, Chubb’s chief administration officer Bermuda operations, is excited by Radcliffe’s presence.

“We are delighted to welcome Paula Radcliffe, a true icon in the world of distance running, as our honorary guest speaker for the 2026 Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge,” she said.

“Her remarkable achievements and dedication to the sport embody the spirit of excellence and perseverance that we celebrate at Chubb. We look forward to her inspiring presence and the positive impact she will have on our participants, the Bermuda community, and visiting athletes from around the world.”

Erin Wright, acting chief executive officer at the Bermuda Tourism Authority, feels Radcliffe’s presence highlights the international reputation of the Triangle Challenge.

“The Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge has become the official kick-off to Bermuda’s annual sports calendar and continues to set the gold standard for sporting events on our island,” she said.

“Bermuda Tourism Authority is proud to support this incredible running experience that brings together both our local community and international participants from around the world. Welcoming a world champion like Paula Radcliffe not only elevates the prestige of the event but also showcases Bermuda’s ability to host world-class sporting experiences in a destination unlike any other.”