26.2: Marathon Stories

by Kathrine Switzer, Roger Robinson

26.2: Marathon Stories is 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 18, 2006

About the author

Kathrine Switzer is the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as a numbered entry. She entered and completed the race in 1967, five years before women were officially allowed to compete in it.

Reviews

[Malinda Schwantes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished just in time for Marathon!!! Loved this book, a little outdated but a lovely read, with great photos.

[Ashley Tovar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting & all inclusive quick read on the history of the marathon. Very well done. The pictures perfectly summed up a spirit of the sport.

[Billy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Boston Competitor and historical admirer I rate this book with the Big Five! Perhaps to the casual interest of others it may be a 4 Star yet you will still enjoy it!. This read captures much of the BAA Marathon lore, anecdotes, photos, and a touch of humor. Should you ever attend this 125 year old event (as of 2021) stop at the expo as author Katherine will be there (her booth) and chat with you in person. Always writes a personal message in your copy if you so desire. Terrific book, I re-read it upon every return to Boston to increase by excitement!

[Aaron Sieben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like after finishing a few of my marathons I cried after reading this simple, but wonderful book about the evolution of the marathon. The one-liners and the inspiration collide beautifully why marathons still captivate the hearts of all that undertake them, but also the training, the gear, the agony, the time, etc. Read this book and enjoy the pictures too!!

[Tim McDaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is misleading. These are not really stories - more essays on marathon related subjects without personal stories.

However for a runner who enjoys marathons the essays evoke my memories and stories

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed a little brain detox after finishing An Untamed State. This fit the bill perfectly, entertaining enough without being taxing. Did not return my running mojo though :/

[Starla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book full of marathon history, and marathon first stories. Great read, and good photos.

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and fun read! Great facts and photos. Would make a great coffee table book.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't what I was expecting, but I still liked it. I thought it was going to be a compilation of first-person accounts of marathon running (The "Marathon Stories" sub-title gave that impression). But, it turned out to just be a celebration of marathon running in words and lots of nice photos. The writing is quite good, and if you're a distance runner, you'll definitely be nodding in agreement through most of the book. I particularly liked the brief history of the marathon race (both ancient and modern), and it made me feel like part of a grand tradition.
I also enjoyed the chapter describing the connection between distance running and religion. "We do feel a connection between our bodies in motion and our spiritual condition. Our lives have more meaning for the rigorous discipline of our running."

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered this after completing my first half and feeling completely inspired. Although it didn't turn out to be the type of book I was expecting, it didn't disappoint.

A beautiful coffee table book, full of amazing pictures from marathons around the world. Each of the 26.2 chapters covered several hot topics for runners such as the history of the marathon, gear, souvenirs, and the dedication it takes to not just complete the race but to begin training.

I learned some new things I didn't know. Ever hear of Rosie Ruiz, the cheating winner of the Boston Marathon? How about the Rift Valley in East Africa and the records runners from that area have set over the decades?

Aside from the photography, my favourite parts were the chapters that detailed marathon "heroes" including Terry Fox. Definitely an inspirational book.

[TK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in the weeks leading up to running my first ever marathon, and it was totally inspiring. It also schooled me on the history of the sport, enough so that I understood the athletic tradition I was about to step into. Then, I re-read it with new understanding and appreciation after I completed my first marathon. This is a perfect gift book for anyone who has run their first (or last) marathon.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very, very cool book- part photo essay, part history of the marathon and all things associated with the sport. Inspiring for anyone-- non-marathoners included. I read this as a way to get excited about my second marathon. I'll eventually buy this as a coffee table book :)

Even if you don't like running or think marathoning is bizarre, you can get something out of this book. It's very inspiring... talk about inspiring, look who the editor is!

[Wesley Gade · Rating 1 out of 5]

Completely unreadable and somewhat misleading.

Was expecting anecdotes throughout history, instead its a book of terrible pictures (which is pretty inexcusable considering that half the book is picture), and some sort of off beat narrative?

I don't know, couldn't follow and frankly the font and sizing is completely awful, the whole layout really.

Looks like someone was just trying to cash in on the running craze, which is sad given the big names attached to the book.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, which covered a number of aspects of running marathons, from the history of the marathon, to running gear, to the emotions involved. I also liked the photographs, which where colorful and sometimes informative. It was a fast read, and as well as good inspiration for my marathon training.

[Carly Ellen Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chapters in this book skipped around a lot; at times this made the book feel delightfully fast paced, but at times it was distracting. Aside from that, 26.2: Marathon Stories is full of motivating stories and interesting photographs. I'd recommend this book to anyone considering training for their own 26.2!

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

B+ This book, comprised mainly of photographs and some stories of runners, offers some historical and otherwise interesting information about marathoning. Some of the text was boring and male-centric/US-centric, but it was good other than that. Yay running! Get this for your marathoning friends!

[Tryna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how fast this book went, and the pictures were wonderful. Very inspiring for a first time marathoner!

[Crista Roa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This made for some great inspirational reading many a plane ride....especially to the Eugene Marathon. Thanks Cherie!

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice inspirational book with lots of pictures of marathons. I've been considering training for a marathon and this book is definitely nudging me in that direction.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not so much stories but gorgeous photos and a brief history of how the marathon came to be.

[PremiereBrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting stories and history of the marathon and marathoners, with great photography.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting to learn about the history of the race (and how the .2 mile ended up in the mix). Pretty inspiring too. We'll see whether I can get through a half before I try a full though.

[colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

provides a great history of the marathon and amazing photographs.

[HadiDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book: gorgeous 'photos, great stories, memorable quotes. A celebration of last the marathon I ran and inspiration to start training for the next one!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, it wasn't exactly what I was looking for in a book, it was more like a coffee table book with various marathon TidBITS in it.

[Jeremy Elias · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to read after my first marathon and during training for more. It captures the journey of training and running the race well. Poetic and sincere. Great illustrations too.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slightly disappointing and dull but beautiful photographs.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an extremely kind gift from a running friend, and a fun, quick introduction to the marathon.

[JDK1962 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. If you enjoy distance running, you'll probably enjoy this slice of both distant and recent history.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pictures are pretty good. About half of the reading is interesting.