The Stubborn Scotsman - Don Ritchie: World Record Holding Ultra Distance Runner

by Don Ritchie

This is the running biography of Donald (Don) Ritchie, who excelled in ultra distance (beyond the marathon) running during the 1970s to the 1990s. Don has achieved ten World bests (World records) for distances ranging from 50Km to 200Km and for 6-hours and 24-hours races. Voted the finest ultra-distance runner of the 20th Century. In 1989 Don ran the 846 miles from John o'Groats to Lands End, raising funds for cancer research, in the new record time of 10 days 15 hours and 27 minutes. He has also used his his considerable ultra running experience to advise/mentor some local runners, one of whom went on to win the world 100Km championship.

362 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2016

Reviews

[Pekka Termonen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don Ritchie is a legend. He trained a lot, often 160 miles a week. He set several world records in ultra distances. He also ran sub 2.20 marathons. He had injuries quite often but stubbornly returned to racing amazingly soon. He kept a detailed training and race diary. He raced in Finland too. In 1978 he attended 100 km Suomi-juoksu in Hartola. His winning time was 6.18.00. Then two weeks later he ran a 22,5 km race in Putaja. On October 28, 1978 he set a world record on 100 km track race, 6.10.20! In 1980 he attended a 50 mile race (Kesäyön unelma) in Oulu but had to stop because his quads became very stiff. On October 28, 1978 he set a world record on 100 km track race, 6.10.20! This is a book all ultra runners will enjoy. It is also fun to find names [mine too] of several Finnish runners in the book.

[Dave E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was tired every time I put down this book. There is a barrage of facts in every page. The sheer intensity and duration of Don's training and racing was some times beyond the limits of the human body, as was shown by his frequent illness and injury record. No one can take away the impressive performances that Don achieved over a long racing career. Phew!

[Paul Dougall · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very dry. Lots of numbers, dates etc. A couple of amusing stories but hidden in the tiny text.
Only recommended for the hardcore of ultra runners.