The London Marathon. The History of the Greatest Race on Earth

Bryant, John. With Foreword by Sir Steve Redgrave

ISBN 10: 0091797144 / ISBN 13: 9780091797140

Published by Hutchinson / Random House Group Ltd, London, 2005

About this Item

First edition, first impression with full number line. SIGNED ON TITLE PAGE, WITHOUT DEDICATION, BY THE AUTHOR AND ANOTHER (signature illegible, but with the eye of faith could be Dave Bedford, with whom John Bryant worked on this book). Some very slight edge wear to top of jacket and spine, corners very slightly bruised, not price clipped (£14.99), no other inscriptions, internally clean tight and square, looks unread. 279pp, illustrated. This book 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. Quite a scarce book signed.

Seller Inventory # 003702

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The London Marathon. The History of the Greatest Race on Earth
• Publisher: Hutchinson / Random House Group Ltd, London
• Publication Date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0091797144
• ISBN 13: 9780091797140
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Printing: 1st Printing
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)

About this title

Synopsis

'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.

About the Author

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. Since 1971, John Bryant has worked as a Fleet Street journalist where he was Deputy Editor of The Times. He is currently Consultant Editor of the Daily Mail and lives in Kingston-on-Thames.