Not getting gas

why does my car stop running after i start it,but will continue runnig when i pump the gas.also im burning lots of gas . and smelling gas also.I have a 2000 malibu.with 161,000 mile on it .

Sounds like a bad fuel pressure regulator allowing too much fuel pressure to the injectors. You need a mechanic to look at it with a fuel pressure gauge.

how long can i run the car before i get it to the mechanic?

You can run it long enough to get it to the mechanic. If you continue to drive the car it may stop running altogether.

It must be really hard to drive this way, and it’s potentially dangerous. You should get if fixed ASAP.