In It for the Long Run: Breaking records and getting FKT

by Damien Hall

We Can't Run Away From This, the new book by bestselling author Damian Hall, is now available for pre-order.



In It for the Long Run is ultrarunner Damian Hall's story of his Pennine Way record attempt in July 2020.

In July 1989, Mike Hartley set the Fastest Known Time (FKT) record for the Pennine Way, running Britain's oldest National Trail in a little over two days and seventeen hours. He didn't stop to sleep, but did break for fifteen minutes for fish and chips. Hartley's record stood for thirty-one years, until two attempts were made on it in two weeks in the summer of 2020.

First, American John Kelly broke Hartley's record by less than an hour, then Hall knocked another two hours off Kelly's time. Hall used his record attempt to highlight environmental issues: his attempt was carbon negative, he used no plastics, and he and his pacing runners collected litter as they went, while also raising money for Greenpeace. A vegan, Hall used no animal products on his attempt. Scrawled on his arm in permanent marker was 'FFF', signifying the three things that matter most to Family, Friends, Future.

Packed with dry wit and humour, In It for the Long Run tells of Hall's four-year preparation for his attempt, and of the run itself. He also gives us an autobiographical insight into the deranged world of midlife crisis ultramarathon running and record attempts.

Genres: Nonfiction

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2021

Reviews

[Hunter Marston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a supremely enjoyable read (ok, admittedly I listened to it on audiobook). It kept me company on many a long traverse in the bush. With choice descriptive words like "lumpy," "bumpy," and "ouchie," Hall manages to make his memoir of grueling ultrarunning competition lighthearted and funny, often mixing self-deprecating humor alongside narration of his many impressive accomplishments. He also includes a chapter on his own climate activism, which critics might say is out of place or off topic. But its inclusion is warranted and adds to the full picture of who Damien Hall is as an athlete and person. His commitment to reducing his own carbon footprint is closely connected to his ultra and trail running lifestyle. His chapter on racing UTMB also includes a who's who of ultrarunning fame and makes for an enjoyable read for those in the know!

[Tim Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book. It's written as if you are in conversation with him so feels very exclusive. Loved all the back story. I did some of the races at the same time and had very different experience 😂. Helped me get my running mojo back.

[Dean M Kellaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proper chap

A British ultra tea drinker who uses excellent words like bimble and daps, often in the same sentence.
A fun and entertaining read

[Paul Willgoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, loved it, loved it… my reaction to reading it, get my books out and start planning things, which I think is the highest praise I can give.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this on audible. Have listened to a few running books now that I have upped my running and this was certainly my favourite.

[Alex Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes me want to hit the trails and have more mad running adventures

[Veli-Pekka Suuronen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and entertaining story that was well written. I found that I would have liked to hear more about what he felt and experienced than what he did to get the fifth star.