Flanagan's Run

by Tom McNab

In 1931 Charles C. Flanagan, a grand-scale promoter in the P. T. Barnum vein, organizes a cross-country footrace from Los Angeles to New York, with a purse of $150,000 for the winner. Two thousand runners from around the world gather to participate in the grueling trek, which takes them through mountains, deserts, plains, and cities, forcing some friends and some alliances, tempered of course by the intense competition of the situation. Only a portion of the novel is set in Illinois, but organized fisticuffs in Springfield and organized crime in Chicago provide interesting and lively entertainment, along with period views of those cities.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Sports, Audiobook, German Literature

472 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1982

Reviews

[Great-O-Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Geschichte von dem Langstreckenlauf "Trans-Amerika" im Jahr 1931 macht vor allem Spaß. Es ist ein Unterhaltungsbuch im besten Sinne. Im Zentrum steht eine packende historische Geschichte mit faszinierenden Charakteren. Das Ganze ist geradlinig und ohne Schnörkel erzählt. Der Roman fällt damit für mich in eine ähnliche Kategorie wie "Ein Gentleman in Moskau" oder "Eine Frage der Chemie": Historische Geschichten, die intelligent und unterhaltsam erzählt werden.

Der windige Geschäftsmann C. C. Flanagan organisiert einen Langstreckenlauf über 5.000 Kilometer quer durch Amerika von Los Angeles nach New York. 80 Kilometer pro Tag sind zu absolvieren. Der Erste erhält ein Preisgeld von 150.000 Dollar. Da wir uns im Jahr 1931 zur Zeit der Großen Depression befinden melden sich die Verzweifelten und Waghalsigen. Es sind fast 2.000 Läufer und 121 Läuferinnen.

Wir begleiten sowohl die Organisation des Laufes und die Schwierigkeiten diesbezüglich während des Wettkampfes, als auch den Lauf und ausgewählte Athleten. Die Themen gehen über das Sportliche hinaus. Es geht auch um gesellschaftliche (Korruption innerhalb und außerhalb des Sports, Doping, Mafia, Wirtschaft und Armut) oder politische Aspekte. So läuft z.B. ein Team der in den USA noch unbekannten Hitlerjugend mit.

Zwischen den Lauftagen kommt es zu anderen Aktivitäten der Läufer, die die finanziellen Schwierigkeiten des Ereignisses reduzieren sollen. Diese sind mitunter an Absurdität kaum zu überbieten, z.B. Wettrennen der Läufer gegen Pferde. Trotzdem ist die Geschichte so gut geschrieben, dass ich mich im Rahmen der Gesamtgeschichte nicht daran gestört habe. In dieser Welt, in die ich für einige Stunden gerne eingetaucht bin, machte das irgendwie Sinn.

[George K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Η μεγάλη κούρσα", εκδόσεις Bell.

Βαθμολογία: 9/10

Ανάμεσα στα παλιά Bell βρίσκεις κάτι ωραία διαμαντάκια, εκεί που δεν το περιμένεις. Ένα τέτοιο διαμάντι, κατά την ταπεινή μου γνώμη, είναι και αυτό εδώ το μυθιστόρημα, που βασίζεται σε ένα πραγματικό γεγονός, αν και φυσικά ο συγγραφέας έβαλε όση φαντασία διέθετε, για να γράψει ένα συναρπαστικό και εθιστικό βιβλίο. Πάνω από δυο χιλιάδες αθλητές -άνδρες και γυναίκες- από όλο τον κόσμο θα συμμετάσχουν στον Διαμερικανικό Αγώνα, με αφετηρία το Λος Άντζελες και τερματισμό τη Νέα Υόρκη, με συνολική απόσταση πάνω από τρεις χιλιάδες μίλια, σε χρονικό διάστημα εντός τριών μηνών και με έπαθλα κάτι εκατοντάδες χιλιάδες δολάρια. Φυσικά, σε όλη τη διάρκεια αυτής της διαδρομής, δεν θα λείψουν τα απρόοπτα, οι δυσκολίες, τα ατυχήματα, ένα σωρό τρελά σκηνικά, τα στοιχήματα και μικρότεροι επιμέρους διαγωνισμοί με διάφορα έπαθλα. Όσο να 'ναι, χωρίς τις διάφορες μικρές ιστορίες από το παρελθόν κάποιων εκ των πρωταγωνιστικών χαρακτήρων, χωρίς τις προκλήσεις που θα συναντήσουν σε διάφορες πόλεις και περιοχές (και τους σχετικούς μίνι διαγωνισμούς), το βιβλίο δεν θα ήταν τόσο μα τόσο συναρπαστικό, ψυχαγωγικό και εθιστικό, έτσι; Άλλωστε, ποιος μπορεί να διαβάσει απλώς μια ιστορία όπου κάποιοι τύποι και κάποιες τύπισσες τρέχουν για εκατοντάδες χιλιόμετρα; Επίσης η γραφή είναι πάρα πολύ καλή, γλαφυρή στις περιγραφές και με φυσικούς διαλόγους, κυλάει σαν γάργαρο νερό και βοηθάει τα μάλα στη γρήγορη και ευχάριστη ανάγνωση του βιβλίου. Βέβαια, οφείλω να πω ότι σαν ιστορία δεν ξεφεύγει από κάποια κλισέ, όμως συνολικά είναι αρκούντως ποιοτικό και ψυχαγωγικό. Εγώ μια φορά το ευχαριστήθηκα!

[Susan Bybee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1930, when America was in the iron grip of the Depression, showman and promoter Charles C. Flanagan hatches the idea of a footrace from Los Angeles to New York. Word gets out all over the world, and in March, 1931, more than 2000 runners start the grueling run eastward. The event encounters all sorts of obstacles along the way from angry union organizers to Al Capone's mob. Flying by the seat of his pants, Flanagan is able to make deal after deal to ensure that his runners will make it to New York and collect the prize money. Some of the deals involve shameless promotions in the venues along the way in which the runners are forced into silly and sometime grotesque displays of strength, speed and agility.

This is a big story is so many ways. I was impressed with the breadth of Flanagan's scheme, and the microcosm of individuals who rose to meet the challenge. McNab, who was the technical advisor for Chariots of Fire, brings the setting and time and characters to life. His insight into the mechanics as well as the psychology of long-distance running made for gripping reading. This is a work of fiction, but it doesn't feel fictional. The last leg of the race, from Denville, New Jersey to New York's Central Park feels as if it must be available on old newsreels.

McNab's writing is superbly cinematic. Like other readers, I am surprised that Flanagan's Run hasn't been made into a movie yet. Now that the book is available on Kindle, there will probably be renewed interest in filming.

[Hal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great novel. It's a story about a foot race from L.A. to New York involving more than 2,000 men and a handful of women. But it's not really a sports novel or a book about racing. It goes way beyond. It's a story about grit and spirit in trying to make it through the Depression. It's about man vs. man. And, at times, the good guys vs. the bad guys. The character development is superb and the plot and sub plots really drew me in. The book is fairly lengthy, but the pace never slowed. That this novel has not received more attention, is a mystery to me. Reading it was time well spent.

[Teri Pre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this as a teen when it came out as a Reader's Digest condensed book. I loved it so much that when I was older I found a paperback copy and held on to it for years. When I found out it was available for Kindle I bought it. I would have paid triple the price!



August 6, 2018
Just finished a re-read and it was just as good as ever. The nice thing about reading it on my Kindle was that I had a chance to highlight and look up some of the info McNab put in his book. Be sure to look up the 1908 marathon!

2024: Still a great book and I love all of the characters!


September, 2021
Just as good as the first bunch of times I read it. I love all of the characters so much!

[Thanasis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ακόμη ένα "BEST SELLER"" που μετά από 40 χρόνια κυκλοφορίας έχει 613 βαθμολογίες στο Goodreads. Καθόλου τυχαίο. Ούτε ο Αλ Καπόνε δεν το σώζει.

[Mary Koehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of the Audiobook:

On your marks, get set, go! And I was off and running for 16 wonderful hours. I walked over 35 miles in the past two weeks listening to this story - and I was swept away. I absolutely did not want it to end (except for my eager anticipation to discover who actually wins the race). Written by Tom McNab (Chariots of Fire), this gem was published in 1982 and tells the story of a fictional race in the 1930s. And yet there is not a single line of outdated prose. Masterfully written!

We begin at the starting ling in Los Angeles, circa 1932 as 2,000 runners set off on a trans-continental race to NYC. Along the way we delve into depression-era America complete with union strikes, the mob, and J Edgar Hoover hot on the heels of our beloved runners. I adored the characters - with a special fondness for the enduring veteran marathon runner - Doc Cole, the unapologetic ringleader - Charles Flanagan, and the ever feisty showgirl - Kate Sheridan.

Flanagan's Run is utterly charming, compelling, riveting, suspenseful, uplifting . . . . I could go on and on. The weaving through of historical figures - like Al Capone and J. Edgar Hoover gave this book a E. L. Doctorow feel, combined with Steinbeck-ian prose and P.T. Barnum hoopla.

If you are a runner, read this book. If you are a writer - read this book. If you have always wanted to head toward the horizon just to see what lays beyond it . . . well, you get the idea.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flanagan’s Run by Tom McNab is one of the funniest and most original novels I’ve read this year. Charles Flanagan is a get-rich-schemer who dreams up a cross-country race from Los Angeles to New York. The year is 1931 and there is a lot of unemployment and poverty. First prize is $150,000, which was a small fortune at the time. The race is limited to 2,000 participants, who must pay a $200 entry fee. The runners race 40 to 60 miles a day – divided into a morning and an afternoon run. That amounts to running the equivalent of 2 marathons daily, 6 days a week, for almost 3 months. I used to run, so I enjoyed all the details about the pain and triumph of running those long distances. But even better is all the madcap adventures that happen along the way. Flanagan and his racers have run-ins with strikers, floods, gangsters, and mountains. They attend a Scottish clan meeting, drink bootleg whiskey and run foot races against horses. McNab provides close-ups of a few of the top runners and I really rooted for these guys (and a gal) to win.
After reading this book, I can’t help but wish there was such a thing as a Trans-America race. I’m not sure if anyone would or could run it, but it would be fascinating to watch. And the next best thing would be to read about it in Flanagan’s Run.

[Rusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this story. It takes place in the early 1930s detailing a run across the country organized by Charles Flanagan. The tale is based on an interview the author had with someone who participated in another run. As the story unfolds one begins to identify with the runners who embark on this adventure because of their backgrounds, financial troubles, and motives. Mike Morgan, a miner's strike organizer has lost his wife and his job, runs to support his son and finds love with another runner. Hugh McPhail from Scotland is looking for survival money, finds love, friends, and a purpose for his life. Doc Cole has run his entire life to win a big race to ensure his place in sports records. Lord Peter Thurleigh, a wealthy Englishman, is running to win a wager and thereby ensure his acceptance among those of his club. Doc finds he doesn't need the fame he wants and Thurleigh, whose family loses their fortune during the run, finds his involvement in the race becoming more personal as he begins to understand many of his fellow runners. It's a story I enjoyed and recommend to others.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book's race is rather exciting!

If only the author hadn't felt the need to include profanity and sexual content...

[Chris Gager · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this at my local Subaru dealer's waiting room bookshelves, which has been a good source of free books in the past. So far this is pretty entertaining reading. The author is/was a big time athlete himself and gives us a lot of straight history of competitive long-distance running from the 19th century forward. He does seem to have made a chronology error when referring to Harold Abraham and his coach Sam Mussabini(sp?).

The book starts in L.A. at the time when John Fante's Arturo Bandini arrived there.

Moving along as the field had been cut in half as the desert running takes its toll. The author has been so far quite creative in his little digressions and sub-plots. Otherwise this would get dull pretty fast. Hey! It IS a novel after all.

As is so often the case a so-so writer gets himself into trouble by writing too many words. It's not an OBVIOUS problem in this book, but it's there.

Moving onward towards New York City and the author manages to keep things interesting, if a bit unlikely. According to him the Germans were already drug-cheating in the 1930's. In the 60's and 70's the East Germans were relentless in their pursuit of Track, Swimming and other world records and Olympic medals, and notorious for their drug abuses while doing so.

Getting near the end now as the lads(and one lass) head for Chicago and some sort of encounter with Al Capone. The author has tossed in pretty everything but the kitchen sink in service to keeping things interesting. Oh well... after all, it IS a novel, not a documentary.

Finished last night and well satisfied all-in-all. A good story well-told and reality-based. It helps if you're a sports fan, and especially a fan of track-and-field.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

B+ Surprisingly good novel - recommended for any ultrarunner or runner into historical stuff. Flanagan decides to host a cross-country race from LA to NY, and the cast of characters fascinate and entertain - from the old timer, Doc Cole, to various Olympians, to the Hitler team abusing cocaine, to the one woman surviving runner...it takes place during the Great Depression. I'm aware of how much ultrarunning has changed...but he really captures the spirit, the fascination, the dedication to the sport.

[David Highton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of a race across the USA in Depression-hit 1930, and the characters who take part, and how the promoter manages to keep the show on the road. A good story supplemented by background detail of many topics which does not detract from the pace of the narrative.

[Zoe Carney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what I expected from a book about a fictional foot race from Los Angeles to New York, set in 1931, but a heartwarming tale of guts and friendship wasn't it.

A rag-tag bunch of runners ranging from retired professional athletes and world champions through to unemployed chancers gather in Los Angeles at the start of the novel, and the book follows their progress, focusing on a core group whose histories and personal circumstances are explored along the way. What I really enjoyed was how real each character felt; they were all fully-realised people, with strengths, flaws and secrets that made them come alive and had me rooting for them to succeed from pretty early on.

The race itself was surprisingly interesting, given that I'm at best a mediocre runner myself. The author's depiction of the psychological and physiological struggles through the various terrains and weather conditions was extremely vivid, and I found myself wincing in sympathy more than once. I also appreciated the attention to detail of the various social and political issues of the early 1930s - mass unemployment, political corruption, organised crime, the distant rumblings of fascism were all there, affecting the characters in different ways.

The only thing stopping me giving this 5 stars is a personal preference - some of the chapters had a wandering POV, and I'm not a fan of that. Still, the story itself and its underpinning message of friendship and keeping going no matter what made this a hugely enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

[Jonas]

Great book. More about the journey than the ending, which isn't that big of a surprise. Interesting and fun (and at times less fun) things happen all along the race. Not so much a book about running, but more about racing (at times I wasn't so sure if the author himself was a runner at some point, but that didn't bother me much). All in all a fun read with interesting characters and an intriguing idea at the center of it all.

[SAM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un millier de coureur prend part à une course, la TransAmerica, 5000 km de Los Angeles à New York. Leur périple n'est pas de tout repos puisque à côté de l'insensé effort physique qui les attend, diverses péripéties vont perturber la course : le FBI, Al Capone, ou le mouvement olympique vont notamment s'opposer à l'avancée de la course.

Une narration qui rappelle un peu "Le Tour du Monde en 180 jours", mais Tom McNab n'a pas réussi à faire une histoire aussi riche en rebondissements que Jules Verne. Même si après une entame un peu longue, on finit par s'attacher à ses protagonistes principaux, ce ne sont pas des personnages aussi emblématiques que Phileas Fogg ou Passepartout.

[100procentSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and easy to love. A great story to escape into. Definitely a feel good story

[Babeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Je ne crois pas que j'aurais lu ce livre, en me basant sur la quatrième de couverture : Un livre sur une course à pieds à travers les États-Unis... ça ressemble typiquement aux livres totalement absent de ma bibliothèque.
Il m'arrive régulièrement de parler littérature avec ma mère : Elle me demande ce qu'elle pourrait lire, je lui donne des conseils de lecture qu'elle suit souvent et dont elle est souvent ravie. Elle me donne aussi des idées de lectures que je suis bien moins souvent alors que je n'ai jamais été déçu par les livres qu'elle recommande. Bref, elle m'a recommandé "La grande course de Flanagan" , m'a parlé du livre sans quasiment évoquer le sport : C'était intriguant, je me suis lancée.
Ce livre est formidable : et oui, on y parle de sport, de course et de dépassement de soi, mais on y parle de tellement plus encore : De grande dépression, d'amitiés, de solidarité...
Les personnages sont tous excellents: Très vite, je voulais tous les voir gagner, tous le mérite tellement.
On sent que l'auteur s'y connait en course à pied mais rien n'est moins monotone que ce livre : aucune inquiétude: c'est un livre d'aventure et qui donne le sourire.
Finalement "La grande course de Flanagan" c'est un mélange entre Steinbeck et Mark Twain, et c'est à lire absolument.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have read this book many times. It's an ensemble cast, type of story. They focus on eight main characters running among thousands in a race across America for a huge prize during the depression. It is about the runners and the race organizer, and is a good picture of several areas of the country at the time. They meet up with several big characters, including Errol Flynn and Al Capone. Great story.

[Ken Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novel I have owned for many years. To me it is so irresistible that every few months I read it again and again.It is a story of men and women in the depression days in America. A foot race was developed from Los Angeles to New York. Great story
I picked up a copy of this book at a book fair the other day I now have two copies if anyone would like a copy let me know

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook. Kept me entertained during many a morning workout but much longer than it should have been and some things were just too implausible for me (i.e, the Capone run-in and outcome, and the evil Olympic chairman), but likeable characters and in general it is sort of a shout out to runners.

[Greg Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm surprised I enjoyed this book. Never dragged on and I couldn't put it down. Nothing earth shattering but it did make me think about my own running career (or lack thereof) and make a more determined effort to get back into competitive running.

[Chris Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. The running theme was a good one to keep me interested. Not normally a big period piece buy but loved the running, loved the characters. Great story. I listened to it on Audible and the narrator was absolutely amazing - killer accents.

[Jeff Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. A big story, told through characters you actually care about. I didn't want it to end. Wish he'd written more.

[Kayleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

haunting story. All the characters have a reason to run and soon you want all of them to win.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite running book of all time, so I give it 5 starts for top of the genre.

[Katy Defay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable story of the first American cross country foot race in the 1930's and the obstacles that had to be overcome by its feisty organizer.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story...

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in my teens and recently found it at the library and read it again. Love this book, I want to own it!

[Thebestdogmom]

Very cool book. Old school running. Loved that!