Runner completes seven marathons during Enchanted Princess cruise

Scottish trail runner Paul Manson completed seven marathons during a seven-day Mediterranean cruise aboard Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess in August 2026, returning to the vessel on time after each independent port run.

Manson, who posts on social media as The Random Runner, began with a marathon in Rome before boarding. He then ran in Naples, Kotor, Corfu and Katakolon, followed by a route down Mount Etna in Sicily. On the voyage’s sea day, he completed a marathon by running 185 laps of the ship’s track.

The challenge was not an announced partnership, according to the report. Manson filmed and published the runs himself, while Princess Cruises’ UK and Europe social account later reposted his finish.

Cruise itineraries generally list all-aboard 30 to 60 minutes before departure, the report said. Cruise lines typically wait or arrange assistance when their own excursions are delayed, but independent travelers remain responsible for returning. Princess Cruises’ passage contract states that guests left behind for reasons outside the carrier’s control may be liable for resulting costs and receive no refund or credit for failing to reboard. In 2024, eight Norwegian Cruise Line passengers reportedly spent several days catching up after a private tour returned more than an hour late in São Tomé and Príncipe. Group members estimated catch-up costs of about $5,000 for one couple and $9,000 for another family.