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James Milner has long been regarded as a beloved figure in soccer due to his tireless work ethic and friendly personality, which endeared him to fans throughout his extensive 24-year career. Milner has played for several clubs including Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton, earning a reputation as a committed and energetic player, consistently topping preseason fitness tests even after celebrating his 40th birthday in January.
Though he announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, it’s clear that “Milly” isn’t taking it easy now that he’s hung up his cleats.
This Sunday, he impressively completed the 2026 New York City Marathon with a time of 3:09:04. Quite the achievement, James!
Ahead of our big match today, we spotted @JamesMilner running in the marathon! Congrats to him and all the members running today. YNWA ❤️ https://t.co/yZBV4xGLTL
— OLSC Brooklyn (@OLSCBrooklyn) November 1, 2026
While analyzing his split times, it appears that Milner paced himself a bit during the latter part of the race, finishing the first half in 1:31 before completing the final 13 miles in 1:38. However, we can excuse him for turning it into a more relaxed run from that point. Nevertheless, maintaining an average pace of 7:13 per mile is impressive; just reading that makes us feel fatigued.
What’s next for Milner? Perhaps climbing Mount Everest or entering the NFL? Given his track record, it’s hard to bet against him no matter what challenge he pursues next.
Fan Take: This news underscores the remarkable longevity and passion of a player beloved by fans, proving that dedication doesn’t fade with age. Milner’s relentless spirit not only inspires fellow athletes but also reflects the heart of soccer, reminding fans of the commitment that champions bring to the game.
Source: www.espn.com
