26.2: Marathon Stories [Hardcover]

Kathrine Switzer (Author), Roger Robinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 18, 2006

An unprecedented visual and literary tour of the marathon throughout history

The marathon is the most popular independent athletic event in the world, with over a million people set to enter one this year and another 50 million cheering them on from the sidelines. This glorious volume is the first book to set the marathon on the large world stage and examine the historic and universal appeal of this ultimate individual challenge.

Hundreds of powerful images by such renowned photographers as Helmut Newton and Susan Meiselas, along with personal reminiscences from many well-known marathoners, capture the endless hours of practice and the overwhelming rush of emotion at crossing the finish line. Examining the marathon through the lenses of history, philosophy, sociology, athletics, pop culture, fashion, and science, the book salutes the determination and courage of those who willingly push themselves to test their personal best.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

KATHRINE SWITZER is best known for pioneering the official entrance of women into the marathon in the late 1960s. Winner of the 1974 New York City Marathon, she has finished 35 marathons. An Emmy Award-winning commentator who has covered important running events from the Boston and New York City marathons to the Olympics and Goodwill Games, she is the author of Running and Walking for Women Over 40. She and her husband, Roger Robinson, split their time between Wellington, New Zealand, and New York.


ROGER ROBINSON, has represented both England and New Zealand in World Championships and has set marathon records for his age group in Boston, New York, Canberra, and Vancouver. He is a professor at Victoria University in New Zealand.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (April 18, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159486330X
• ISBN-13: 978-1594863301
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #531,875 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Marathons

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-Have for Marathon Runners of All Levels/Experience, June 5, 2006

By 

Nelson Aspen "Author/Journalist" (Los Angeles & NYC, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 26.2: Marathon Stories (Hardcover)

As a recreational but devoted marathoner, (currently training for #9), this was an obvious must-have for me. Most books published under the Rodale title are generally just rehashes of old RUNNERS WORLD magazine articles, but this is definitely not the case here.

This handsome coffee table book is beautifully designed and offers not only inspiring passages we've come to expect in the world of the long distance runner, but breathtaking photography and insight into the minds, passions and heartaches associated with the sport. It fairly examines the good and the bad throughout the long history of "Marathon;" from ancient Greece to contemporary pop culture.

Divided into 26.2 chapters, it is a wonderful book for both the devoted runner and interested spectator as well. Would make a great gift.

I actually had an emotional reaction by the time I got to "the Finish Line." Just like in real-life! So this book willl definitely be a treasured addition to my library.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captures the true spirit of running!, February 21, 2007

By 

Victor L. Randolph - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 26.2: Marathon Stories (Hardcover)

I'm a "senior", "middle-of-the-pack" runner and been at this for 30 yrs, completed 7 marathons and read most of the books concerning the subject, but found this one to be truly original. Running is basically a simplistic sport but to extend oneself to the extent to complete a marathon requires a special effort which this book manages to capture better than any other I've read so far. A must for anyone interested in running or those trying to figure out what makes people do this crazy stuff. Easy reading and wonderful photography!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marathon Books, November 18, 2007

By 

J. Curtis (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 26.2: Marathon Stories (Hardcover)

Great book, especially for those who have run a marathon and can appreciate first hand the highs and lows involved every step of the way. Couldn't put it down.