Customer Reviews

A Race Like No Other: 26.2 Miles Through the Streets of New York

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I loved this book! Liz Robbins' narrative chronicles the 2007 NYC Marathon with fact and anecdote filled chapters for each mile as the runners travel through all five boroughs of NYC and over the finish line; she does indeed manages to transport you inside the race and capture the sprit of the event that makes it A RACE LIKE NO OTHER. Perhaps it will even inspire some of the many readers that this book deserves who believe that the challenge of completing a marathon is too daunting to change minds and undertake the training required to attempt running one. It certainly will delight those who have participated and inform the millions who as spectators have cheered on the runners along the course or watched it on television in their living rooms.

Before I proceed further with my enthusiastic review, I do need to offer a disclaimer. At the suggestion of the race organizers, I was one of the myriad of individuals who the author interviewed during her extensive research for this book. I am an individual who had no exhibited no previous athletic aptitude before starting to exercise after passing my thirtieth birthday during the 1970's. But my current reputation as a 65 year old streaker intrigued her, and she chronicles part of my journey as I complete this event for the 32nd consecutive year. Thus, my story is one of the many of those of us who revel in our chance to become athletes for a day. In fact, as you will learn if you read the book, she somehow managed to locate me as I was running up First Avenue in the middle of the pack long after she had observed the winners crossing the finish line in Central Park and, after being introduced to a friend who I made during the race, the three of us ran together for approximately a mile as she joined the race again to discover more stories among the anonymous throng which would still be on the course for hours. I believe that my knowledge of the race enables me to appreciate even more the excellent job that the author has done, but I felt it appropriate to inform the readers of this review of what some might view as a source of potential favorable bias.

Robbins skillfully weaves into her manuscript the duel between Gete Wami and Paula Radcliffe which of course captivated even the casual observers of the race, while also managing to humanize them through the inclusion of a wealth of interesting information about aspects of their lives as diverse as their training routines, previous competitive encounters, early family experiences, and the fact that they are united by the bond that both women have returned to the sport at the highest competitive level after bearing a child. The stories of the leading competitors among the men are covered in an equally interesting manner, with many fascinating insights provided. Similarly, readers will appreciate the coverage of celebrities such as Lance Armstrong and Katie Holmes.

The many anecdotes about Fred Lebow which Liz Robbins inserts throughout the book together form a wonderful picture of the individual whose passion for the sport and ceaseless promotion of the marathon helped transform it from a race for elite runners who circled Central Park slightly more than four times to the spectacle which reinforced the running explosion which was just beginning in the mid-1970's. But for me, by far the most interesting aspect of the book was how she managed to meld the interesting stories of many individual runners into a mosaic that captured the essence of the experience. Included among these stories are many of the Achilles Club runners, whose members' disabilities cover a wide spectrum which range from the blind runners tethered loosely to their guides to amputees with artificial limbs and several cancer survivors, for whom completing the marathon is a way to celebrate their triumph over the disease. Many of them will spend several more hours on the course than the main field and thus start the race early, as a consequence as the race proceeds many of us runners have the opportunity to share in their inspirational achievements as we run by them and cheer them on in their pursuit of their dreams. Thus, I finally learned that it is 55 year old Bill Reilly whom I see every year along the course determinedly pushing his wheelchair backwards with his feet for 26.2 miles despite his severe cerebral palsy. And that Zoe Koplowitz who I also pass has completed her 20th NYC Marathon the next morning despite her diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Perhaps the most moving of all was the tale of Donald Arthur, a heart transplant victim who started walking to strengthen his new heart and three years later in 1999 completed the marathon together with the brother of his transplant donor (a victim of gunfire in the Bronx) and who then are both embraced by the victim's mother after they cross the finish line. In 2007 Arthur has recovered from a subsequent bout of cancer and is completing his tenth marathon that year. The joy in the streets, the agony and the ecstasy are all captured in this book.

Robbins also does justice to the other crucial elements of the race, the almost countless volunteers, the musicians whose performance adds to the celebratory atmosphere, the millions of supportive spectators (some of whom cheer the runners through the final three miles along Central park for as long as six hours), the unique and memorable landmarks along the race course, such as the towering Verranzano-Narrows Bridge, the Williamsburg Bank clock tower (a landmark visible for several miles along Brooklyn's Fourth Avenue), and the distinct neighborhoods which the runners traverse. We learn the background stories about the Bishop Laughlin High School Band and the Emmanuel Baptist Church choir, whose music only five blocks apart inspires the runners as they run down Lafayette Avenue with five miles still to go before leaving Brooklyn and reaching the halfway point as they cross the Pulaski Bridge and enter Queens.


In summary, if you like inspirational and feel good stories, read this book. If you want to learn more about the NYC marathon, read this book. If you want the unique experience of reading a book which fittingly ends with chapter 26.2, then read this book. We can't all hope to compete at an elite level or duplicate such feats of endurance as Dean Karnazes' running 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days and finishing with the NYC event , but this book captures how the NYC marathon undoubtedly deserves the credit for establishing the tradition of every runner being a winner over their own pain, and feeling deserving of the medal placed around his or her neck at its conclusion in the knowledge that on that day they had done their best as they were cheered on by the millions of spectators who line the route. When Liz Robbins explained the idea for her book while first interviewing me, I was both excited by the concept but fearful of the challenge which she had before her to accurately capture all the facets of the event. Now, I am delighted that she has succeeded, and hope that her book will achieve the readership which it deserves and in the process create even more appreciation for the unique nature of the event. Indeed every year its essence is the same, yet every year the details are different, new friends are made and different sights and sounds assault three runners' sense which are heightened by the inevitable surge of endorphins, which is why I will enjoy it as much this year as what I expected in 1976 would be not only my first but my only run through the streets of NYC, a Bicentennial celebration which not only linked the residents of the city's diverse neighborhoods but changed the face of marathoning. I highly recommend this book; as a reader you will share in the joy in the streets on that special day, and experience the palpable inspiration which results when everyone is a winner and the triumph of the human spirit is so clearly on display. .

Tucker Andersen

I just returned home from running the NY Marathon. I am so glad that I read this book just before running. It is outstanding. I saw several of the various characters in the book, especially the accordian player in Queens, and felt like I knew him.

I would recommend this book to anyone, runner and non-runner alike. Hugely readable and very informative.

This book is a must have for the person running the NYCM for the first time. Details on the races beginniing, the brdiges history, the people behind the scenes, and much much more. Reading the book helps to invision your marathon day! The sites, the sounds, and the embrace of diversity.

I run marathons, along with those in my running club. Of all the books on what happens behind the efforts and determination of the individual runner, this book is so detailed in how a marathon on the magnitude of the the NYC marathon is done, I find it amazing that the author was able to succeed in her script with such success. I now know why it is so difficult to win a lottery position in the NYC - there are only 8,000 positions available for USA citizens (excluding those that are obtained via raising charity funds). If you run any marathons, or are a runner interested in the details of a marathon - this is the book. Along with the details of how the marathon is organized, the author took one race and went behind the scenes of the lives of not only the top runners but the average person: why they are runners, why they wanted to run the NYC. Such a good book, I have read it twice.

I'm never going to run the NYC Marathon, or any other flatter, "easier" marathons, for that matter. Every time I run around the Central Park Reservoir I'm routinely lapped by training groups from the New York Road Runners. However, I've always had tremendous respect for those who have what it takes to complete a marathon (or twelve). Although it may not pass muster for those who compete, "A Race Like No Other", Liz Robbins' start-to-finish examination of the 2007 NYC Marathon. held my interest & taught me a lot that I didn't know.

Robbins' book makes the argument that the NYC Marathon is the gold standard of the competitive running circuit. Due to its uneven terrain and sharp turns, world records are never going to be set here. However, by pacing her book mile by mile -- there are 26 chapters -- she has the opportunity to showcase not only the main story of the race (who wins the men's & women's titles) but also the disparate New York City neighborhoods in all five boroughs, as well as the supporting personalities that makes the marathon tick. That includes not only the "name" runners, but also the driven amateurs with their own stories to tell, the celebrities who run, the support personnel, and the natives who cheer (and perform music) from the sidelines. New York in all its diverse, multi-ethnic glory, and corresponding insularity, is on full display.

Again, as a non-expert I'm in no position to tell if Robbins' made any silly mistakes or forgot to balance out a story. However, as a native New Yorker who likes to run (badly), I found this book quite inspirational.

I ran NYCM in 2007. Even though the crowd was bit much and it took me almost 45 mins. to start due to my seeding, I will not forget the crowds, the course and the music. I actually submitted an e-mail to Ms. Robbins when she was looking for stories. I grew up in Bay Ridge and saw the Verrazano Bridge being built as a child. To come back and run this race in my hometown was a thrill but my story was not as memorable as Pam, Harrie and all the others that are mentioned in the book. I started to read the book just before I flew to NY for Christmas and didn't want to put it down. I read about Fred Lebow's statue in Central Park near 90th Street and coincidentally came across it while we were up by MOMA one day. It just showed me how much research Liz Robbins did for this book - to find out the accordian player in Queens isn't Irish but Polish just blew me away. I have so much more insight about this race now. I see why it has become one of the most famous marathons in the world and I'm even more proud now to be able to say that "I ran the New York Marathon!"

If you like running and human interest stories, you will enjoy this book. Very good writing and subject matter about the 2007 New York Marathon with every chapter representing a mile in the race. Liz Robbins writes for the New York Times, which is a paper that is known for great writers. The book details every mile of the run plus interesting and heart felt stories about the organizers, the professional runners and the everyday runners doing it for their own reasons. Definitely a book you will enjoy.

I received the book pretty fast and it is in perfect condition. I really appreciate. It is a perfect purchase. However, I would love to have more picture of the race.

I ran my first NYC Marathon this past year, the first of what I hope to be many, following my dad who had done it a few times when I was a child. A Race Like No Other captures the experience, from Staten Island though the finish line in Central Park (right down to the frustration of trying to get OUT of the park once the race is over!). The writing moves back and forth across several stories that are being told simultaneously, keeping you interested as the miles go by. The stories cover elite pro's to recreational runners to those who are running for a higher purpose. You will find yourself caring about each of the individuals described. What came through really beautifully and what is not really appreciated by those outside the sport, is the spirit of sportsmanship and sportswomanship that is so central to the sport. Particularly compelling as regards the elite athletes is the description of the battle between Paula and Wami for the woman's win, but it is framed against Paula's baby daughter being held by Wami's husband before the race, and being held by Wami herself after the race. This conjured up images of the great Grete Waitz, who lost first place in the olympic marathon, only to become Godmother to the son of her rival. In what other sport will you see this kind of class, honor, and mutual respect, particularly when prize money and endorsement deals etc. are on the line? A Race Like No Other set out to capture the spirit of the NYC Marathon, and succeeds.

I only met Liz Robbins once: On the morning after the marathon I had - together with thousands of other runners who made it to the finish line of the 40th New York City Marathon 2009 (never say "New York Marathon" - the stressing lies on "City"!) - my medal with name and time engraved at the Tavern of the Green in Central Park West. Robbins was writing her signature in the copies of this book many of the runners bought there - "Autogrammstunde" as we call it here in Germany. She looked very kindly at me for one half second or so as she was writing her signatures. I sort of felt a little bit guilty, since I would not buy the book. But I had a, hopefully, acceptable reason: I had - thanks to Amazon.com -already received it in my hometown Leipzig (Germany) and I had also read it twice before I came to New York.
The book focusses on the reader who wants to know more about the ING-NYC Marathon than just get hints for training or on how to get along with the race-track. Therefore, this book is not one of the many "How to do the NYC-Marathon in three hours"-Books. There is more: Besides giving a mile-to-mile description of the race-track Robbins adds to each mile marker of the entire marathon-track the special history that refers to each mile. This is a good idea, since most of the "entrants" of this marathon consider the participation as a sort of a lifetime-event and some of them are therefore interested in the history of this marathon. Other readers want to know how such an event is organized and to learn more about the people and institutions who run the entire event. The stories behind each mile and the entire marathon as well are easy to read but as interesting, accurate and reliable as any story written by a professional reporter of the "New York Times", what she is, should be. Maybe many of the runners who after passing the finish line notice the bronze statue of Fred Lebow (pronounced "Lebòw") will never know who this watch watching bearded man was. Reading the book you will not only know that his real name was Fishl Lebowitz, a survivor of the Holocaust. You will also learn that he was the co-founder of the NYC-Marathon. Between mile 24 and 25 - you are already in Central Park - you can read the sad story of Ryan Shay, a candidate for representing the United States in the Beijing Olympics, who in 2007 died just there while doing his qualification run for the Olympics. Among all the other dead and living persons who are mentioned in the book (winners and loosers as well) - never forget to mention NYPD-Captain John Codiglia (ret.) who still encourages the runners on his usual corner of Seventh Avenue and Central Park South (close to the finish line) - Mary Wittenberg, the Race Director (the person in charge of the marathon) impressed me very much. Not only that her name is also the name of the town close to Leipzig where Dr. Martin Luther had his first public appearance. Organizing a race of nearly 45.000 runners from all over the world without allowing any kind of trouble to have effect on the marathon is a tough job. But when you pick up your start-number (in New York they call it "bib") the first sign you will see is "Race Director - Room No So-and-so". Right there you get the impression of a person who also feels to be in charge, which has a good impression also on all the other (nervous) runners as well.
Thomas Wessinghage, a German athlete and winner of lot of medals in German and European sport-contests calls the NYC-Marathon an "Event Marathon" where one should not concentrate on the time of passing the finish line but on the atmosphere of this marathon. When you have read Robbins excellent book you will not only know why this is so but also have a good chance of falling in a sort of love with this marathon and perhaps come back to run there again.