The 1982 Boston Marathon was great theater: Two American runners, Alberto Salazar, a celebrated champion, and Dick Beardsley, a gutsy underdog, going at each other for just under 2 hours and 9 minutes. Neither man broke. The race merely came to a thrilling, shattering end, exacting such an enormous toll that neither man ever ran as well again. Beardsley, the most innocent of men, descended into felony drug addiction, and Salazar, the toughest of men, fell prey to depression. Exquisitely written and rich with human drama, Duel in the Sun brilliantly captures the mythic character of the most thrilling American marathon ever run--and the powerful forces of fate that drove these two athletes in the years afterward.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"A beautiful, heartbreaking book . . . Like that marathon 25 years ago, Duel in the Sun is absolutely riveting."--Michael Paterniti, author of Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Across America with Einstein's Brain
"It's an uplifting tale, all the more inspirational because it seems no uncomfortable detail has been spared in its telling. . . astonishing."--San Francisco Chronicle
"It's an uplifting tale, all the more inspirational because it seems no uncomfortable detail has been spared in its telling. . . astonishing."--San Francisco Chronicle
"Two inspiring tales, well told."--Booklist
About the Author
JOHN BRANT has written regularly for Runner's World since 1985 and has been a contributing editor for Outside magazine since 1992. His writing has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, and National Geographic Adventure, among other publications. The Runner's World feature, on which this book is based, was included in Best American Sports Writing 2005. Brant lives in Portland, Oregon.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Well written, but not sure if there was enough info for a book here.
October 4, 2010
By Cliff Gerber
Format:Paperback
I enjoyed this book but at times it seemed very reptitive. It does not take long to see the roles of Beardsley and Salazar and understand their personalities. Beardsley (Farm Boy, addicted to Pain killers) & Salazaar (Golden Boy Favorite, religous, depressed, and relentless in his running) However this is continually harped upon throughout the book and eventually becomes tedious. As a veteran marathoner I sometimes find running books are too often written for the masses and are not technical enough. However, this book would appeal to veteran runners and non-runners alike. It was technical enough for my taste and all in all I did enjoy this book. Very interesting take on arguably the most important marathon ever. I would recommend it although it didn't really compare to some of my other running favorites (Once a Runner, Running with the Buffaloes, etc...)
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I enjoyed the book, despite jumping among 4 stories (past and race from each runner's perspective). I would have preferred a more traditional approach; i.e., a little history of each, the race, and the aftermath. But the author chooses. The unique approach somewhat detracted, but I'm glad I got the full story.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable read about a great race, how it happened and it's consequences
April 26, 2009
By C. King
Format:Paperback
An interesting and fast read about the race between Dick Beardsley & Alberto Salazar in the 1982 Boston Marathon. It goes into detail about the background of each runner and what led them to Boston that year as well as detailing how it dramatically affected the lives of both runners long after the race had ended.
The book is narrated in a highly non-linear fashion jumping back and forth between descriptions of the race, the runners' background, and the aftermath. It requires that you pay a fair amount of attention so that you don't get confused as to when the action being described happened.
While I enjoyed the book, I got the impression it was being written almost as a TV documentary for the Biography Channel, it could certainly have benefited from some additional editorial work.
That being said it was enjoyable to read and certainly worth the cover price.
The book is narrated in a highly non-linear fashion jumping back and forth between descriptions of the race, the runners' background, and the aftermath. It requires that you pay a fair amount of attention so that you don't get confused as to when the action being described happened.
While I enjoyed the book, I got the impression it was being written almost as a TV documentary for the Biography Channel, it could certainly have benefited from some additional editorial work.
That being said it was enjoyable to read and certainly worth the cover price.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By S. Grotzke
Format:Paperback
Point: The greatest marathon that has ever been run on American soil by Americans was the 1982 Boston Marathon where Salazar and Beardsley ran each other into the ground to finish in 2:08:51 and 2:08:53.
Path: The author tells a captivating story by dividing the chapters into 2 minutes of the marathon followed by 2 years of background. Working through twenty chapters and the lives of two amazing runners, the story moves quickly. Intertwined with the story of the marathon is Beardsley's addiction to pain killers and Salazar's continuing depression.
Sources: The author has done his research with personal interviews, televised events, books, articles, and press releases.
Agreement: The story was captivating and inspiring. These are truly some of the greatest runners who have ever run. After finishing the book I thought, I could run a sub 5 minute mile!
Disagreement: Although the race was the highlight and capstone of both running careers, the life stories were quite discouraging. Both their depression and drug abuse were presented as hereditary problems. Both looked to drugs for escape. Salazar committed his life to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Beardsley committed his life to an ever recovering addict and his 12 step group. Neither realized the peace which could only be given through Christ.
Personal App: I was challenged by their drive to run. The internal fortitude to continue amidst the pain was impressive. But, I don't run for the same reasons.
I would recommend this book to runners if Beardsley's coach never spoke a word.
Path: The author tells a captivating story by dividing the chapters into 2 minutes of the marathon followed by 2 years of background. Working through twenty chapters and the lives of two amazing runners, the story moves quickly. Intertwined with the story of the marathon is Beardsley's addiction to pain killers and Salazar's continuing depression.
Sources: The author has done his research with personal interviews, televised events, books, articles, and press releases.
Agreement: The story was captivating and inspiring. These are truly some of the greatest runners who have ever run. After finishing the book I thought, I could run a sub 5 minute mile!
Disagreement: Although the race was the highlight and capstone of both running careers, the life stories were quite discouraging. Both their depression and drug abuse were presented as hereditary problems. Both looked to drugs for escape. Salazar committed his life to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Beardsley committed his life to an ever recovering addict and his 12 step group. Neither realized the peace which could only be given through Christ.
Personal App: I was challenged by their drive to run. The internal fortitude to continue amidst the pain was impressive. But, I don't run for the same reasons.
I would recommend this book to runners if Beardsley's coach never spoke a word.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By JohnM
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Some readers have obviously struggled with the book's structure, but I actually think it adds greatly to the story. If the Author used a linear timeline, the book would fail in its ultimate goal: to demonstrate how the '82 Boston marathon ultimately was so much more than just a race to Beardsley and Salazar: in effect, that race (what it stood for and the ramifications of the race itself) serves to define these two guys.
As I said, Duel in the Sun is two stories in one: it's the story of two men's lives. Of itself, this is interesting enough, because both Salazar and Beardsley make for great character studies. Their lives have contained more ups and downs than the Boston Marathon course itself, so as human interest, it works.
But it's also the story of a race; a wonderful race that everyone who's ever competed in an endurance event can relate to. The narrative of the race itself is written with clear understanding of the runner. This guys gets it. He understands the marathon; he understands what it really means. And it shows.
I think anyone seeking a greater understanding of not only the marathon, but of the human condition, will enjoy this book. It's written with a great deal of empathy and more than a little genuine insight. If I ever wanted to truly explain to someone the real meaning of endurance, I think I'd just loan them this book. Because John Brant captures it perfectly.
As I said, Duel in the Sun is two stories in one: it's the story of two men's lives. Of itself, this is interesting enough, because both Salazar and Beardsley make for great character studies. Their lives have contained more ups and downs than the Boston Marathon course itself, so as human interest, it works.
But it's also the story of a race; a wonderful race that everyone who's ever competed in an endurance event can relate to. The narrative of the race itself is written with clear understanding of the runner. This guys gets it. He understands the marathon; he understands what it really means. And it shows.
I think anyone seeking a greater understanding of not only the marathon, but of the human condition, will enjoy this book. It's written with a great deal of empathy and more than a little genuine insight. If I ever wanted to truly explain to someone the real meaning of endurance, I think I'd just loan them this book. Because John Brant captures it perfectly.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The telling of the 1982 Boston Marathon is a story of will, guts and long lasting suffering. A race that took the toll from the two winners (yes, both can be considered winners) and left lasting marks on their lives. Mixing the race itself, the past and what happened after the race, this is one of the best running books I've ever read!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A story of character
Runners will love the story of the race, but all will love the story of the men who ran it. I didn't want to put it down and when I finished I wanted to start it all over again.
Published 6 months ago by Bill Nolan
5.0 out of 5 stars
good book
This was a fascinating read on the life stories of 2 tremendous athletes. I found it to be very inspirational.
Published 7 months ago by Julie Conlon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic story -- even after all these years!
I have no idea why there are several reviews complaining about the story jumping around. The book is written very well and does so in a way that allows the reader to get a... Read more
Published 23 months ago by VeggieRunners
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very inspiring book.
I could'nt put the book down, after I started reading it. I don't think a novel could be written any better. As a runner, it was very inspiring to me. Read more
Published on February 26, 2011 by Ragnar Team Monavie Runner 1
4.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining Book on the Greatest of All Boston Races
This is a pretty exciting book on the greatest race in Boston Marathon history between two of America's (Salazar was a born in Cuba but has American citizenship)greatest distance... Read more
Published on April 18, 2010 by Daniel Hurley
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Memorable Yet Tragic Race
This book does a good job showing two runners in their prime: one who drank water during the heat of the race and the other who did not and thus suffered greatly. Read more
Published on December 8, 2009 by Chris Custer
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thrilling tale told with great background and insight
I will own up front that the timeline in this book can be confusing. It is important to pay attention to dates as you read the story. Read more
Published on May 12, 2009 by Sheila King
1.0 out of 5 stars
What a mess!
I saw this epic race from Heartbreak Hill. I'm running my first Boston in a few weeks. But this book was just a huge mess. Read more
Published on February 24, 2009 by Tonto
Citations (learn more)
2
books
cite this book:
- The Best American Sports Writing 2005 (The Best American Series) by Mike Lupica on page 152, and Back Matter
- The Best American Sports Writing 2005 by Mike Lupica on page 152, and Back Matter
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