The London Marathon

Description

A history of the London Marathon from the author of the critically acclaimed 3-59.4- The Quest to Break the Four Minute Mile. Published to coincide with the 2006 London Marathon. 'If you want to win something, run 100 metres. If you want to experience something, run a marathon' - Emil Zatopek The London Marathon salutes 25 years of the London Marathon by exploring the incredible physical and mental challenge that lies at the very heart of marathon running. It begins with the author standing on the start line at Blackheath for the very first London Marathon in March 1981. And it ends 26 miles and 25 years later, as the author emerges, still running, past Buckingham Palace and on through the miles and memories to the finish. From the legend of Pheidippides and the mystery of Spiridon Louis - who won the first modern Olympic marathon in 1896 - to the agony of Paula Radcliffe, reduced to tears on the long road to Athens more than a century later, this is a story of dreams, pain, struggle and achievement. The courage and the craziness of the characters who for 25 years have run the streets of London, have turned this race into the greatest marathon in the world. The London Marathon is a testament to their endeavour, and to the spirit that leads them each spring to tackle their own suburban Everest. This is their story.

As a life-long athlete, Oxford Blue, country champion, British Universities student national, and coach to an Olympic athlete, John Bryant has an unrivalled insight into the world of athletics and the minds and methods of runners. He is currently Consultant Editor of the Daily Mail and lives in Kingston-on-Thames. This is his second book.

"The best of many books on the subject I have ever read" Daily Mail "Hugely readable and occasionally hilarious ... Bryant is also very good at capturing the essential motivations of the marathon runner ... My guess is that this book will inspire countless others to seek out that marathon entry form themselves" Daily Telegraph "Every marathon runner is touched by a peculiar madness, and Bryant's empathy with their affliction comes from the heart" Sunday Times