"God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast and when I run, I feel his pleasure."
The world Marathon book
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Christina Neal, London, Carlton, 2018. ISBN 878-1-78739-059-1
The book is an encyclopedia of world marathons. Starting with the legend of the ancient Greek origin of the marathon, the book moves into the rise of moderate marathons. Then the 10 marathons are profiled. London, Boston, Chicago and New York are included, of course, but I wonder if you would agree with the author as to which other six great marathons should be included. This section brings out the history and character of each one. And there is helpful advice on how to secure a place.The book reports that in one year alone (2014) 0.5 million people ran and finished marathons in the USA. Given that the first Olympic women’s marathon was not until 1984, it is interesting to note that currently 41% of participants in marathon are women.
A section entitled “modern marathons” includes Istanbul -where the route crosses continents, the great wall marathon in China and the loch ness marathon. “Weird and wonderful marathons” describes the big five safari marathon, the Everest marathon, Kilimanjaro marathon, Le marathon de Medoc which includes are wine party, the midnight sun marathon and the north Pole marathon among many others.
But if 26.2 miles is too short there is a section on ultra races. There is a section on Marathon records, which tells the reader, among other things that Rev Steve Chalke, has raised more money than any one through running sponsored in Marathons.
While the book is not a “How to”, there is a section on preparation and training.
Surprisingly the fastest Marathon time in history is said to be Eliud Kipchoge’s 2017 Monza run, which is not generally recognized.
As you’d expect in the Carlton book, every page includes stunning photographs