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Marathon Man: My 26.2-Mile Journey from Unknown Grad Student to the Top of the Running World
The legendary long-distance runner details his historic victory in the 1975 Boston Marathon that launched the modern running boom
Within a span of two hours and nine minutes, Bill Rodgers went from obscurity to legend, from Bill Rodgers to "Boston Billy." In doing so, he instantly became the people's champ and the poster boy for the soulful 1970s distance runner. Having won the Boston Marathon and New York Marathon four times each, he remains the only marathoner to have appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated twice. Winning the Holy Grail of marathons in an unthinkable record time changed Bill's life forever.
But his dramatic breakthrough in Boston also changed the lives of countless others, instilling in other American runners the belief that they could follow in his footsteps, and inspiring thousands of regular people to lace up their shoes and chase down their own dreams. In the year before Rodger's victory at the 1975 Boston Marathon, 20,000 people had completed a marathon in the United States. By 2009, participants reached nearly half a million.
Thirty-seven years later Bill Rodgers still possesses the same warm, endearing, and whimsical spirit that turned him into one of America's most beloved athletes. In Marathon Man he details for the first time this historic race and the events that led him there.
Within a span of two hours and nine minutes, Bill Rodgers went from obscurity to legend, from Bill Rodgers to "Boston Billy." In doing so, he instantly became the people's champ and the poster boy for the soulful 1970s distance runner. Having won the Boston Marathon and New York Marathon four times each, he remains the only marathoner to have appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated twice. Winning the Holy Grail of marathons in an unthinkable record time changed Bill's life forever.
But his dramatic breakthrough in Boston also changed the lives of countless others, instilling in other American runners the belief that they could follow in his footsteps, and inspiring thousands of regular people to lace up their shoes and chase down their own dreams. In the year before Rodger's victory at the 1975 Boston Marathon, 20,000 people had completed a marathon in the United States. By 2009, participants reached nearly half a million.
Thirty-seven years later Bill Rodgers still possesses the same warm, endearing, and whimsical spirit that turned him into one of America's most beloved athletes. In Marathon Man he details for the first time this historic race and the events that led him there.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2013
43 people are currently reading
876 people want to read
About the author
Bill Rodgers
38 books7 followersWilliam "Bill" Henry Rodgers is an American runner and former American record holder in the marathon who is best known for his victories in the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon in the late 1970s. His victories made him a hero and secondary fuel for the running boom of the 1970s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 11, 2013
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It has the feel-good local boy makes it big storyline, and plenty of race day mile by mile playback of Bill's first marathon victory. Those of us who run marathons, and Boston in particular will love those aspects.
But this book also resonates with those who've lost (or never had) youthful fitness and fallen into unhealthy habits. Even Bill Rogers became a couch potato, smoking, partying and living on junk food. Even Bill Rogers lost his way, with dead-end jobs and misdirected rebellion. It makes it that much more fun to watch the fits and starts of his comeback, and to celebrate with him when he succeeds.
I enjoyed the format, interspersing chapters of mile-by-mile playback of his first Boston win, with the backstory of the depths he rose from just four years prior.
But this book also resonates with those who've lost (or never had) youthful fitness and fallen into unhealthy habits. Even Bill Rogers became a couch potato, smoking, partying and living on junk food. Even Bill Rogers lost his way, with dead-end jobs and misdirected rebellion. It makes it that much more fun to watch the fits and starts of his comeback, and to celebrate with him when he succeeds.
I enjoyed the format, interspersing chapters of mile-by-mile playback of his first Boston win, with the backstory of the depths he rose from just four years prior.
October 24, 2013
Bill Rodgers spoke to my running group (Marathoner in Training in Columbus, Ohio) last season and I must admit I was underwhelmed. He seemed disorganized and flaky. He attempted to inspire, but came off as spacy. Now that I've read his memoir, I can see that he may just be all those things. He admits as much. He is, however, also an amazing champion as well as someone who has worked his buns off to make running get the credit it deserves.
I stayed interested throughout the book. I liked the author (Matthew Shepatin)'s method of weaving the backstory into an account of Billy's first Boston win. I enjoyed the firsthand portraits of great such as Amby Burfoot, Frank Shorter, and Steve Prefontaine. It really took me back to the days when running really turned a corner and took hold of the American public. It was a great read.
I stayed interested throughout the book. I liked the author (Matthew Shepatin)'s method of weaving the backstory into an account of Billy's first Boston win. I enjoyed the firsthand portraits of great such as Amby Burfoot, Frank Shorter, and Steve Prefontaine. It really took me back to the days when running really turned a corner and took hold of the American public. It was a great read.
May 25, 2013
If you have had the great opportunity to listen to Bill Rodgers speak for an hour, I highly recommend this book because it is Bill speaking for 336 pages. You can feel the excitement and open expression that he brings from his youth, to being a conscientious objector, and then succeeding in running in more ways than one for many years ahead. For anyone that has run a marathon or wants to learn about the high level of commitment involved with succeeding at that race, read this book and your inspiration is there. I also recommend the book if you want to find out about what the United States was like for an outcast like Bill in the late-1960s through the running boom of the late-1970s and early-1980s. You might just get more than running out of it.
December 1, 2024
3.5
Next entry in my Boston marathon reading list. This guy is so lovable! The writing is just ok. Fun to learn more about one of the legendary winners and a hometown hero.
Next entry in my Boston marathon reading list. This guy is so lovable! The writing is just ok. Fun to learn more about one of the legendary winners and a hometown hero.
June 7, 2017
"The heart is always the true starting line."
As a marathoner myself I want to know more about running and great marathoners.
This book gave so much insight of how runners were treated back then, how he was training, his failures, his wins and his life.
Marathon will humble you and make you a better person.
I can see myself re-reading this book!
As a marathoner myself I want to know more about running and great marathoners.
This book gave so much insight of how runners were treated back then, how he was training, his failures, his wins and his life.
Marathon will humble you and make you a better person.
I can see myself re-reading this book!
September 2, 2013
Great read whether you're a runner or not. It also shows the potential of those with ADHD.
July 25, 2023
Bill Rodgers is one of my favorite runners of all time and I love him even more after reading this book. I knew he was a Wesleyan alumni like myself, but didn't know how as a conscientious objector he was broke, on food stamps, depressed, smoking, and drifting when he took up running again after college. He'd run in all weathers, twice a day, up to twenty miles a day, trying to hyper-focus his then-undiagnosed ADHD on something clear, pure, and immediately achieveable right in front of him--the pursuit of speed. He was a fierce competitor, but also an incredibly kind and generous man, supporting his fellow runners and working as a special education teacher until a principal tried to stand in the way of his running--THE DAY AFTER he won the inaugural 5-borough NYC Marathon he was told to quit doing his lunchtime training runs at school.
Rodgers has sometimes been called spacey, and he's definitely an aging Boston hippie in the best possible way. Reading this book is like going for a crisp fall run around the Charles and then warming up inside to browse Newbury Comics with some Dunkin' coffee and doughnuts. It's that Boston. Rodgers fought for adequate compensation and amateur athlete rules so runners could afford to run but he also emerges as a man who still loves the simple, pure act of running. Just a really beautiful soul and a true Bostonian, the best of what is New England.
“Our stories are proof that passion and purpose in life can lay dormant for years. But then, one day, you find your desire, your dream, your strength. It was in you the whole time. And once you find it, nothing will ever be the same.”
Rodgers has sometimes been called spacey, and he's definitely an aging Boston hippie in the best possible way. Reading this book is like going for a crisp fall run around the Charles and then warming up inside to browse Newbury Comics with some Dunkin' coffee and doughnuts. It's that Boston. Rodgers fought for adequate compensation and amateur athlete rules so runners could afford to run but he also emerges as a man who still loves the simple, pure act of running. Just a really beautiful soul and a true Bostonian, the best of what is New England.
“Our stories are proof that passion and purpose in life can lay dormant for years. But then, one day, you find your desire, your dream, your strength. It was in you the whole time. And once you find it, nothing will ever be the same.”
April 26, 2019
Overall, I thought it was a good read; some parts were even great whereas some were less than good.
It was very inspiring to read about Rodger´s journey; from childhood to world class athlete. And the writing was fluid and easy to read.
Sometimes tho the story jumped back and forth too much and it was a bit difficult to keep track of where in time the story took place. Also, I thought that on many occassions dates were not mentioned which also made it difficult to know when the event described took place.
Rodger comes across as a very nice guy, maybe too much so. I would have liked it more if he was more reflective on his own character, from both negative and positive sides. More rough. Now, I think the portrayal was a bit one-sided. (Besides mentioning that he was "spacey" I dont think there was much self-criticism. Which ultimately, make him look a bit too full of himself).
I think brutal honesty is what makes a great autobiography and I lacked it in this book.
Finally, for someone (like me) who loves running and the history of great runners it was a very enjoyable book and I can recommend it.
It was very inspiring to read about Rodger´s journey; from childhood to world class athlete. And the writing was fluid and easy to read.
Sometimes tho the story jumped back and forth too much and it was a bit difficult to keep track of where in time the story took place. Also, I thought that on many occassions dates were not mentioned which also made it difficult to know when the event described took place.
Rodger comes across as a very nice guy, maybe too much so. I would have liked it more if he was more reflective on his own character, from both negative and positive sides. More rough. Now, I think the portrayal was a bit one-sided. (Besides mentioning that he was "spacey" I dont think there was much self-criticism. Which ultimately, make him look a bit too full of himself).
I think brutal honesty is what makes a great autobiography and I lacked it in this book.
Finally, for someone (like me) who loves running and the history of great runners it was a very enjoyable book and I can recommend it.
February 4, 2019
Bill Rogers has always been a running inspiration to me since I started back in 1984. I bought my first pair of running shoes, Saucony Jazz, and shiny gray short running shorts, bearing the Bill Rogers running company logo, from Bill’s brother Charlie, who’s often mentioned in this book. Charlie has a long braided beard and a positive, go-can-do-it attitude that got me out the door on my first run, a block from the Boston marathon course. I met Charlie again the day before I ran my first Boston marathon in 2011 at their store near Faneuil Hall, not the Cleveland Circle store that I’d made that fateful visit in 1984 (it’s long since closed). So, I’m biased. Also, it’s a memoir not an autobiography - only brief mention is made of his family during his peak years and thereafter. Still, anyone interested in running will likely find Bill’s personal history fascinating. The writing is clear thanks, in part, to Bill’s co-author, Matthew Shepatin, who has worked with other sports figures.
September 26, 2019
After 115 days of inactivity, I went on a run today. Sure, in the last 4 months, I've gone on a few short runs through camp when I could, but while traveling, I found it impossible. So I ran 5km today. Just 5km through one of my favorite routes, one that crosses through one of my favorite neighborhoods and has a massive hill right in the last km.
And it was hard. Challenging. I don't even want to mention how absolutely terrible my pace was. That said, it was also amazing. It felt like truly coming home. I forgot just how much I love running, even when it doesn't come easily. Especially then.
This year is going to be intense, but I have fallen in love with the idea of doing a marathon. I mean, I've flirted with the idea in the past, mostly because that's the natural progression after a half marathon and because I feel like I can do it. After today, I legitimately the urge to, I miss running for hours and dedicating myself to it. Now, my current plan is to run properly this year and sign up for something in the Jerusalem Marathon. If it'll be a half again, I'll be happy. But really, I want to know that I can run a marathon. My calves might be sore from those 5kms today but we're in September now and I'm going to need the mindset that running long distance provides for uni.
In any case, reading this book was inspirational. Bill Rodgers goes through his running history, all the highs and lows and finally, his biggest successes. Bill comes across as fairly likable. The book is easy to read, I finished it during yesterday's flight.
What stood out to me was how differently we see the sport. I'm never going to be a good competing runner and that absolutely frees me. When I join a race, I'm really only competing against myself. In every race I've been to, I've been overwhelmed by the amount of kindness of everyone there. I feel so much support and love from and for every one who also feels the urge to run. It feels like their success is mine.
So it's fascinating to see this different form of love and support, where his opponents and him try to make the course more difficult for each other, to seek out when the other is suffering psychologically or physically and attack there. Where you are trying to make it hard but the second the race ends, you're back to support and admire them.
I loved hearing about Amby, I feel like we all need an Amby in our life. Hearing that he reached his goals made me thrilled. I also appreciated how Bill gave him so much credit. It's truly special to see that connection in writing.
When it comes to running books, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running gets it better but this does a fine job as well. I suppose if you're more of an athletic competitive type, you might connect to this more. Alas, I am too much of a Hufflepuff to enjoy that aspect. (Although, let's be real, Bill is clearly a Hufflepuff too).
The ending left me with a huge smile on my face. I loved hearing how he opened a center and tried to make it accessible. Generally, it was interesting to hear about the growing popularity of running. I'm too young to remember anything else. I will say that the vast majority of my friends think I am insane for running distance.
All in all, I'm happy to have read this now. I think it manages to give off a good message and really grasp something about life in the 70s and 80s as well as talk about running.
What I'm Taking With Me
- I've never quit running entirely so hey, at least I've got that.
- Running is the best thing ever and I can't wait to feel myself be able to do what I used to be able to do and more.
- In 2015, I wrote that you never know what will happen in 4 years. Well, past me would have been pissed to learn I'm this out of shape but I feel like they'd be excited by the idea of running a marathon this year.
- Conscientious objectors were seen negatively in the states during Vietnam War and had to do two years of volunteer (ish) service.
And it was hard. Challenging. I don't even want to mention how absolutely terrible my pace was. That said, it was also amazing. It felt like truly coming home. I forgot just how much I love running, even when it doesn't come easily. Especially then.
This year is going to be intense, but I have fallen in love with the idea of doing a marathon. I mean, I've flirted with the idea in the past, mostly because that's the natural progression after a half marathon and because I feel like I can do it. After today, I legitimately the urge to, I miss running for hours and dedicating myself to it. Now, my current plan is to run properly this year and sign up for something in the Jerusalem Marathon. If it'll be a half again, I'll be happy. But really, I want to know that I can run a marathon. My calves might be sore from those 5kms today but we're in September now and I'm going to need the mindset that running long distance provides for uni.
In any case, reading this book was inspirational. Bill Rodgers goes through his running history, all the highs and lows and finally, his biggest successes. Bill comes across as fairly likable. The book is easy to read, I finished it during yesterday's flight.
What stood out to me was how differently we see the sport. I'm never going to be a good competing runner and that absolutely frees me. When I join a race, I'm really only competing against myself. In every race I've been to, I've been overwhelmed by the amount of kindness of everyone there. I feel so much support and love from and for every one who also feels the urge to run. It feels like their success is mine.
So it's fascinating to see this different form of love and support, where his opponents and him try to make the course more difficult for each other, to seek out when the other is suffering psychologically or physically and attack there. Where you are trying to make it hard but the second the race ends, you're back to support and admire them.
I loved hearing about Amby, I feel like we all need an Amby in our life. Hearing that he reached his goals made me thrilled. I also appreciated how Bill gave him so much credit. It's truly special to see that connection in writing.
When it comes to running books, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running gets it better but this does a fine job as well. I suppose if you're more of an athletic competitive type, you might connect to this more. Alas, I am too much of a Hufflepuff to enjoy that aspect. (Although, let's be real, Bill is clearly a Hufflepuff too).
The ending left me with a huge smile on my face. I loved hearing how he opened a center and tried to make it accessible. Generally, it was interesting to hear about the growing popularity of running. I'm too young to remember anything else. I will say that the vast majority of my friends think I am insane for running distance.
All in all, I'm happy to have read this now. I think it manages to give off a good message and really grasp something about life in the 70s and 80s as well as talk about running.
What I'm Taking With Me
- I've never quit running entirely so hey, at least I've got that.
- Running is the best thing ever and I can't wait to feel myself be able to do what I used to be able to do and more.
- In 2015, I wrote that you never know what will happen in 4 years. Well, past me would have been pissed to learn I'm this out of shape but I feel like they'd be excited by the idea of running a marathon this year.
- Conscientious objectors were seen negatively in the states during Vietnam War and had to do two years of volunteer (ish) service.
July 24, 2023
Simply awesome. Inspiring from beginning to end.
April 15, 2015
As my taper started on March 29th, I needed something to occupy my time. What better way than to read a book by one of the premier Boston Marathon runners, Bill Rodgers? That being said, like other reviewers have said before, I think that the book was very repetitive in some spots. Actually in a lot of spots. Amby yes we know, he's your best bud, your running partner in college, we get it. STOP SAYING IT OVER AND OVER. The story was also told in 'present day' (in 1975 when Rodgers 1st won the marathon) and then in flashbacks to how he got to the starting line. I would have liked a straightforward chronological account but that's just me. I hate flashbacks. I also would have loved if Rodgers omitted the fact that his water bottle the day of Boston was an old shampoo bottle. As many times as you wash it, I don't think you ever get all the shampoo out of it. And it made me gag just reading the sentence.
I started off loving the book and then got bored halfway through. I really wanted to read the account of the race and the finish and I was mired down in college running day details and how much Rodgers loved his friends.
I started off loving the book and then got bored halfway through. I really wanted to read the account of the race and the finish and I was mired down in college running day details and how much Rodgers loved his friends.
June 17, 2013
Bill Rodgers was a kid who always liked to run. A gifted athlete and elite pacer, he competed in college then drifted into partying. When his ex-team mate won an Olympic Gold medal he took notice and returned to his sport. He is the member of an elite club of runners who helped usher in the running culture in America. He is a cultural icon in the Boston running community who has been operating a shoe store and running center for the past forty years. His story is fascinating!
As a middle-of-the-pack runner, I have pushed myself through marathons and, far more enjoyable, half marathons and triathlons. It is fascinating to imagine a young Bill Rodgers putting in 20-mile training days for years on end. American runners did not receive recognition or support back in the 60's and 70's, yet the running culture sweept across the country like a flash fire. I am grateful to Bill Rodgers and his peers for taking those first, difficult steps.
As a middle-of-the-pack runner, I have pushed myself through marathons and, far more enjoyable, half marathons and triathlons. It is fascinating to imagine a young Bill Rodgers putting in 20-mile training days for years on end. American runners did not receive recognition or support back in the 60's and 70's, yet the running culture sweept across the country like a flash fire. I am grateful to Bill Rodgers and his peers for taking those first, difficult steps.
October 24, 2013
As a runner who started in the 70's Bill Rogers was always an idol. He, Frank Shorter, Amby Burfot, broke open the running craze. The book gave an insight to what Bill's life and work ethic as a runner were. I was surprised by many facets. If you are a serious runner and someone who has been around the sport for a LONG time it is a must read
June 18, 2017
Bill Rodgers decides he likes to run so he does and accidentally wins a marathon. Sure, he trained to win, but he didn't actually think he would win till he did. Do you like reading about people running marathons? If so, you will probably enjoy this book.
February 9, 2014
Fantastic memoir from the heart of the Boston running community. Our paths have crossed a few times over the years, most recently at last year's Vermont City Marathon. Bill's love of life and our sport always shines through.
August 6, 2015
Another inspiring book about the beauty and power of running. Rodgers is not as talented a writer as his fellow great American distance runner Amby Burfoot, but this autobiography is still worth reading for lovers of running.
June 4, 2013
I am motivated more than ever to run after reading Bill Rogers book. I enjoyed it very much in combination of the local aspect of his story and his strength and determination.
June 2, 2013
A wonderful story and an easy read.
February 3, 2014
What a great novel! Excellent insight into the mind of an American Icon!
March 11, 2024
This book has been on my radar for quite a while. All my book reviews that start with "I listened to the audiobook version of this again while running"...well, I do run. Marathons and Ultramarathons among many other road races in between, so I do enjoy reading accounts of runners that were actually very good at it. Partly so hear their stories and find out what they were like, and of course partly thinking I will gain some secret training knowledge.
The audiobook does not apply in this case, I read the print version. Bill Rogers' prime took place (or helped cause) the running boom in America during the late 70's and early 80's. As he started his journey to become one of the greatest marathon runners of the 1970's, is was kind of unheard of for the average person to be 'running' in their spare time to train for road races on the weekends, or even just to stay in shape. Heck it was even kind of rare for a 'professional' runner to be training on public streets during that time. For some reason back then runners who competed for the United States in the Olypics or other international events were expected to maintain their amateur status. Which meant they did not get paid. And if they did get paid, they lost their amateur status and got banned from representing the USA in such events. The US didn't contribute money for these athletes to train exclusively either, which meant most runners had to have a full time job and still find time for family and to log in all the crazy miles it takes to stay on top in the marathon.
Steve Prefontaine was probably the most famous runner to take up the fight against the governing body that kept runners from being paid for their time, appearances, or even just prize money. Bill Rogers and Frank Shorter were among the athletes that kind of picked up this mantle and helped see it through after Prefontaine's untimely death.
All that being said, I guess I picked up this book having heard of Bill Rogers, but not knowing too many details. First thing was I didn't realize he had won Boston and New York 4 times each. (among others). That kind of dominance in the marathon is very rare.
His personality seemed to be kind of an odd blend of someone that didn't have a ton of focus in real life, or details until it came down to competing. He didn't seem to spend a lot of time worrying about proper hydration or eating right or pre-planned bottle drops at races. Otherwise it sounds like he might have won a few more races than he did.
This book was about what I was expecting. A nice page turning easy read which was very informative about his life and relationships and training, while intertwining all that with 'in race' chapters that described what was going through his mind real time in races. These are always the most fascinating to me. As a runner, my mind only seems to be telling me things like I'm breathing too hard or going to fast, or calm down, ease your breathing, take small fast steps. Professionals take that many steps further and also look at the people running next to them, looking signs of weakness.
As a marathon fan or someone who admires running or what it takes to get to the top I would recommend this book to others.
The audiobook does not apply in this case, I read the print version. Bill Rogers' prime took place (or helped cause) the running boom in America during the late 70's and early 80's. As he started his journey to become one of the greatest marathon runners of the 1970's, is was kind of unheard of for the average person to be 'running' in their spare time to train for road races on the weekends, or even just to stay in shape. Heck it was even kind of rare for a 'professional' runner to be training on public streets during that time. For some reason back then runners who competed for the United States in the Olypics or other international events were expected to maintain their amateur status. Which meant they did not get paid. And if they did get paid, they lost their amateur status and got banned from representing the USA in such events. The US didn't contribute money for these athletes to train exclusively either, which meant most runners had to have a full time job and still find time for family and to log in all the crazy miles it takes to stay on top in the marathon.
Steve Prefontaine was probably the most famous runner to take up the fight against the governing body that kept runners from being paid for their time, appearances, or even just prize money. Bill Rogers and Frank Shorter were among the athletes that kind of picked up this mantle and helped see it through after Prefontaine's untimely death.
All that being said, I guess I picked up this book having heard of Bill Rogers, but not knowing too many details. First thing was I didn't realize he had won Boston and New York 4 times each. (among others). That kind of dominance in the marathon is very rare.
His personality seemed to be kind of an odd blend of someone that didn't have a ton of focus in real life, or details until it came down to competing. He didn't seem to spend a lot of time worrying about proper hydration or eating right or pre-planned bottle drops at races. Otherwise it sounds like he might have won a few more races than he did.
This book was about what I was expecting. A nice page turning easy read which was very informative about his life and relationships and training, while intertwining all that with 'in race' chapters that described what was going through his mind real time in races. These are always the most fascinating to me. As a runner, my mind only seems to be telling me things like I'm breathing too hard or going to fast, or calm down, ease your breathing, take small fast steps. Professionals take that many steps further and also look at the people running next to them, looking signs of weakness.
As a marathon fan or someone who admires running or what it takes to get to the top I would recommend this book to others.
May 4, 2020
Bill Rodgers inspired me to run "back in the day." I grew up a mile from the Boston Marathon course. So, I was going to like this book, no matter what - and I did. It was like any other collaborative look back and a fun read. Still, I was disappointed in the lazy copy editing. I found 6-10 typos, grammatical errors, etc. Just sloppy and the guy who helped him write the book - Matthew Shepatin - is effusive in his compliments to the staff at St. Martin's Press. Really? Did you read your finished product? Sloppy, like I said. Also, as the "real" writer, he might've cut back on the repetitive themes that Bill reference like butterfly chasing, Amby this Amby that and others. Give some credit to the reader, guys. We can hear something once and then maybe mention it during wrap up but not every few chapters.
December 20, 2023
If you love running you'll love this book
Bill Rodgers is one of the best marathoners in USA history. This book is about his amazing journey, from a college runner until becoming a top athlete. Bill's journey overlapped with the evolution of road running in the USA, from an uncommon sport for adults until its boom in the late 70's and early 80's. The book is very well written. It's funny and entertaining. Wisely, the author used most of the book to get Bill's journey until his first Boston marathon win. That is the best and most interesting part of the book. It's an amazing history of an amazing athlete. A book I think all runners will love to read. A worth reading for non runners as well.
Bill Rodgers is one of the best marathoners in USA history. This book is about his amazing journey, from a college runner until becoming a top athlete. Bill's journey overlapped with the evolution of road running in the USA, from an uncommon sport for adults until its boom in the late 70's and early 80's. The book is very well written. It's funny and entertaining. Wisely, the author used most of the book to get Bill's journey until his first Boston marathon win. That is the best and most interesting part of the book. It's an amazing history of an amazing athlete. A book I think all runners will love to read. A worth reading for non runners as well.
October 11, 2024
It's a great insight into running, the old way. Far from tracking devices, electrolyte gels or carbon fiber running shoes. Even when his running curriculum is amazing and impressive, it's far more likeable because he's the kind of guy that runs along a pond and stumbles upon butterflies, can stop and chace them, and still beat you effortlessly on one of his daily 20+ mile a day training runs.
Goes through in great detail his 1975 Boston Marathon win, while alternating chapters with his preparation on becoming the major face on marathon running in the USA. The later end chapters are the most personal ones, reflecting on his own end of running career and his personal life. But nevertheless always running.
Goes through in great detail his 1975 Boston Marathon win, while alternating chapters with his preparation on becoming the major face on marathon running in the USA. The later end chapters are the most personal ones, reflecting on his own end of running career and his personal life. But nevertheless always running.
January 4, 2024
Not withstanding my bias for the subject (I’m about 10 years younger than Bill so finished high school track when he won his first Boston) as was running competitively at the height of his ascent while devouring articles about him in TnF News. Bill’s intertwining of side stories while walking through mile by mile of his first Boston win was so interesting. He’s a good storyteller. Particularly appreciate the backstory and training insight. Clarified for me what was legend and what was reality.
Good job Bill (even though I’m about ten years late in reading basically his autobiography). Hope to still meet some time.
Good job Bill (even though I’m about ten years late in reading basically his autobiography). Hope to still meet some time.
April 5, 2025
Five stars for the story of Bill Rodgers and three stars for the editing and writing.
The story of him losing and recovering his fitness deeply resonated with me, as I have only been regaining my fitness for the past year. Many of the other struggles that he experienced in his youth also resonated with me. Running can't be my career, but I want it to be a significant part of my life. His defense and promotion of running as a hobby resonated with me. I particularly loved the character of Amby Burfoot. One of my college roommates was just as regimented as Amby but for his academic field of study rather than running.
The story of him losing and recovering his fitness deeply resonated with me, as I have only been regaining my fitness for the past year. Many of the other struggles that he experienced in his youth also resonated with me. Running can't be my career, but I want it to be a significant part of my life. His defense and promotion of running as a hobby resonated with me. I particularly loved the character of Amby Burfoot. One of my college roommates was just as regimented as Amby but for his academic field of study rather than running.
April 22, 2019
I’ve admired Bill Rogers for his long and impressive marathon career, but I wasn’t born early enough to witness it. So it was fun to read about his regular background, rise to greatness, love of the sport, mastery of Boston, and most of all, his quirky, inclusive personality. I thought highly of Rogers before, but now am an even bigger fan. If you like to run or just want to learn about one of the earliest and most interesting marathon stars, Marathon Man would be a great choice.
September 9, 2021
Very inspiring story! The chapters are well sized, the book is easy to read, and makes us time travel in mid-70s. I am a runner myself preparing for a couple of marathons this year and it helped me to be inspired doing the hard work. Some race days are not easy and don't expect as planned just like Bill who shared the good, great and ugly of long-distance running. Thanks Bel for sharing this book.
April 8, 2018
An excellent read...if you are interested at all in running. I met Bill Rodgers back in February..and after talking to him...reading his tales of running in this book...I really got emotionally envolved with his story as he took me with him for a run...like an old running buddy! And you will too! A run that will stay with you forever! You will love it! ❤ :0)
July 2, 2018
Pretty good read, brought back lots of memories of living in Boston during Bill Rodgers reign as Marathon champ. Lots of errors though. On one page Amby Burnett is 22 years old when he wins his marathon and then three pages later he is 21. Errors like this annoy me and since the book is a reissue from the original publication date of 2013 they should have been fixed.
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