Marathon

As a runner of marathons, I have to say MARATHON really captures the excitement of a big race on many levels. I've read many training guides on running marathons including some of Hal Higdon's non-fiction so I was not sure what to expect from a novel. MARATHON develops many story lines of race operations, reporters, elite runners and much slower runners to paint a picture of what happens in the days leading up to a marathon and the race itself. The novel develops its characters early on so you develop an interest in them, and can't wait for the next installment of the march toward race day. Obviously, Mr. Higdon has used his extensive background in road racing and journalism to give us a glimpse of what goes on at a major race. I was skeptical that a novel on the topic of running could be exciting. But, MARATHON was a real page turner with its combination of real life and fiction. I think any runner would enjoy book, but the intriguing story lines should appeal to all.

Even though Marathon is fiction, it embodies the building emotion of an actual race. Hal Higdon's entry into fiction writing demonstrates his ability to draw pictures in the reader's mind. For years, Higdon served as training consultant for the Chicago Marathon, so it is easy to figure out the source of his inspiration. Runners who have run that race will have fun trying to figure out how much of Marathon is fact and how much is fiction. It can be difficult for a follower of Higdon to grow with him into fiction writing. Many of us have used him as our private trainer to successfully take us from our first marathon to Boston qualifying. It is easy to forget how much exposure he has had through his own long and very successful life as an elite runner. It takes talent to weave in figures he has met in national and international competition both as a competitor himself and a well know commentator. Growing with him helps us understand he is much more than a personal trainer and takes our respect of him to a new level.

A wonderful look at all the details that surround the planning, reporting, running or spectating of a large city marathon. The multiple experiences of all those involved in one race make for an exciting read. The story is interesting to me as a runner but should also capture the attention of non-runners. If you save it for a pre-race taper, be careful. You don't want to lose precious pre-race sleep because you can't put it down.

The first book that I read from Hal Higdon was On The Run From Dogs And People back in the 70s when I was in high school. Since then he's cranked out dozens of other books on running that that have been both instructional and inspirational. On The Run... made me laugh. His training works, made me a better runner. Marathon the novel mesmerized me. There are so many different storylines intertwined and they go beyond the actual race to what motivates someone to run 26.2 miles and that adds a rich texture to the book on many different levels; but to discuss it here would spoil it for others. Since the book is from a former elite racer who for decades has been and still is involved in all aspects of the sport; it makes you wonder how close to fact some of this fiction is.

MARATHON is an engrossing fictional world that gives readers the inside view of what goes into a marathon. The characters are engaging, and it's a page-turning work that draws in readers whether they are runners or not. Perfect book for that long flight, or, for you runners, the long taper!