Dead Man Running: One Man's Story of Running to Stay Alive

by Mark Church, Kevin Webber

Dead Man One Man's Story of Running to Stay Alive is the inspirational story of Kevin Webber. Diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in 2014 and given just two years to live, Kevin started a brutal regime of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He also started running and refused to stop. Across the deserts of the Sahara, the snow and ice of the Arctic and the jungles of Cambodia, Kevin's journey has taken him from the depths of despair to achieving the impossible. Kevin describes the emotions of discovering he was terminally ill and the impact on his family and friends. He talks honestly about his cancer, his treatment and making every day count while staring death in the face. The training, the marathons, the injuries, the physical and mental challenges of living with terminal cancer are all described in Kevin's own words. He has never stopped dreaming and living his life the best way he can. This is one man's story of running to stay alive which will hopefully inspire you to live a bit more too.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2021

Reviews

[Christie Bane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more or less your typical runner-overcoming-adversity story, but with the unusual twist of the author having been diagnosed with terminal prostrate cancer. He was a middling runner before his diagnosis but went on to complete all kinds of ultramarathons as well as raise massive amounts of money for prostate cancer research. While in one sense the outline of the story is the same as most other running books — I set out to do something, it was hard, I wanted to quit, I pushed through and did it — there is no doubt that it’s inspiring. And I always appreciate the reminder that whatever you want to do, DO IT NOW. No one is guaranteed any time, so do it. And I hope this guy continues to beat the odds (he’s currently lived 6 years longer than what they predicted at time of diagnosis). I’m signing up for an ultra because of you, Kevla, thanks a lot!

[Loz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review of this book is heavily biased for two reasons: 1) people very close to me have had cancer - some recovered, some didn’t - and 2) I met Kev during one of the challenges mentioned in this book: the Global Limits race in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The book is written in Kev’s speaking style: straightforward, down-to-earth, and unpretentious. His message of trying to make the most of every single day, and feeling fortunate to be alive, are quietly inspiring, and I hope the message is spread far and wide together with funds and awareness for prostate cancer. I particularly enjoyed the messages from family, friends, and colleagues. Like them, I hope that Kev continues to run, inspire, and make a difference for many more years to come.

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational read. I knew about Kevin from my work and had followed his journey closely given my dad's own prostate cancer.

Great to read in more detail about his heroics and certainly gave me pause for thought on the 'first world problems' that sometimes occupy my mind.

Also great for a wee kick up the backside on training runs when you read of the extreme hot and cold he's had to experience in the Sahara and Arctic respectively.

An amazing human story.

[Anne Macnamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across Kevin through following Nick Butter and remembered his message of don’t count the days, make the days count.
An incredible account of perseverance and strength in the face of a terminal cancer diagnosis, with all of Kevin’s running adventures set against his ongoing battle. Life is for living today and every day, so please go out there and make the most of it.

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I came across this book, it might have been the man himself on FB, but I'm glad I did. A very inspiring man that has done an incredible amount to raise awareness amount prostate cancer and raise an incredible amount of money. The races he's completed are incredible, without the added issues of cancer.

[Katherine Laurain Ashburner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read overall. What an amazing journey.

[Abbey Hornett-Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational story about an inspirational man. I would recommend this to anyone, whether you’re interested in running or not.

[Phil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Far too long. Inspirational story but keeps repeating. I did this race and saw these people again and then repeats. 50% too long.

[Peter Rushton · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first two thirds were readable, the last third was poorly written. Great inspirational story nevertheless albeit slightly repetitive but that could just be down to the level of writing.

[Andrew Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nightmare scenario to find yourself in, but Kevin turned things round in an extraordinarily way.
An inspirational read.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story about an ultra marathoner who did it all with stage 4 cancer