By Del Moon

Paul Jenkin’s 2025 Birmingham Pilgrimage

If there’s one person who best embodies the spirit of the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG), 78-year-old Welsh runner Paul Jenkins would be a top choice. The retired Royal Navy electrician and Prison Service employee was among the first UK Corrections athletes to participate in WPFG when they were hosted in Melbourne in 1995. He’s powered through all 15 games since, and he has a special reason to go to Birmingham for #16. 

Jenkins has completed 33 London Marathons, several with his wife Liz who is also a committed runner and constant companion. “In fact, we ran the London Marathon hand-in-hand to celebrate our 50th anniversary, me in a gold bow tie and Liz in a gold tutu,” he recalls. “That's my slowest ever marathon, but it was probably the most enjoyable.” 

Then he quips,“I tell people now that the London Marathon is getting longer because my time is getting slower!”

Jenkins has also amassed an impressive WPFG medal count, enough to be honored with induction to the WPFG Hall of Fame in 2019. He was also recognized for his genuine interest in others and contributing smiles, enthusiasm and good cheer. “We have built up so many friends from all over the world because of these Games,” he says. “We’ve had a Japanese fireman come and stay with us here in Bournemouth!  It's the camaraderie of the thing, and it's friendly competition. Everybody gets a pat on the back, well done, and that's what it's all about.”

Visiting new places where the Games have been hosted is a highlight for Jenkins, but he has a special mission to complete when he and Liz come to Birmingham in 2025. “There is a church there that was burned down by the Ku Klux Klan many years ago.” He explains. The people of all the villages in Wales took up a collection and donated a stained-glass window to help rebuild the church.” 

The couple is eager to visit The Wales Window  and place Welsh flags at the 16th Avenue Baptist Church when they when they come to the Magic City. “Birmingham, Alabama never knew where Wales was,” he says, “but they certainly will next year!”

The fit Brit ran the 5K, 10K, cross-country and a half marathon over the course of a week at the 2023 World Police and Fire Games in Winnipeg, Canada, and plans to do the same next year in Birmingham. With a smile.

Jenkins still typically runs 10 miles per day and has run competitively since 1982. The Jenkins have a favorite UK charity and raise money from their London and Reading races to raise money for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation. 

All of these accomplishments are the result of a deeper motivation that feeds his wellbeing. “I run simply because I enjoy it,” he says. “I’m lucky that I’m in a beautiful part of the world. I just tend to train on my own. I’ll go for a run down to the beach most days in Bournemouth and enjoy the sunshine.” 

“I always say all you need is a decent pair of shoes and to just keep going.”