The Kiwi Runners' Family Tree: Volume One: 1800s To 1999

Description

The Kiwi Runners' Family Tree tells the stories of over one hundred running related athletes and coaches, focusing on the interconnections between the generations as well as the important relationships within those generations. This family tree has well-grounded roots, a strong trunk and a vast amount of experience, knowledge and inspiration coursing through its branches.The book expertly tells the many interrelated stories of New Zealand's runners, from sprinters through to ultramarathoners, as well as hurdlers, steeplechasers, race walkers and Para athletes. Each chapter incapsulates athletes' achievements, inspirations, coaches and compatriots. The athletes' stories, some never been told before, are complemented by many fascinating photos.The Kiwi Runners' Family Tree features more than twenty personal interviews with athletes, administrators and coaches, to ensure historical and statistical accuracy.

Dreydon Sobanja is children's picture book author who has now moved taken on the challenge of a book of NZ athlete biographies about New Zealand runners. Dreydon has had a love for running since he was four years old, when he saw John Walker win his 1500-metre gold in Montreal and has emulated Sir John by providing inspirational sessions to schools and libraries around the country.Dreydon has previously self-published three New Zealand books to inspire children to dream big, through his organisation Inspired Kids Ltd; Bruce Wants to Go Faster (9780473360627), Ed Climbs a Big Hill (9780473227838) and Jean Dreams of Flying (9780473227845).Fellow Aucklander and urban artist, Murray Dewhurst, has added clever design elements that make this book a Kiwi keepsake. Murray was also the designer of Bruce Wants to Go Faster, which made the Storyline's Notable Books List for 2017.