How did this come about?

Emulator runs are hidden by default. Filter -> Emulators -> Consoles and Emulators.
There is one run, done by FishermanFV. I believe someone else may be planning to do one soon...

Is it allowed to pause the timer within the run or do you have to do this in one crazy coffein abuse?

the timer cannot be paused during the run, but you are free to take naps while leaving the timer running

Okay thank you