Staying The Course: A Runner’s Toughest Race

by Dick Beardsley, Maureen Anderson

For a moment Dick Beardsley became the most famous runner in the world by losing a race. In the 1982 Boston Marathon, Beardsley, foiled by a motorcycle that cut him off, finished two seconds behind Alberto Salazar in one of the most memorable contests in marathon history. Staying the Course recounts that race and the difficult years that followed, including his recovery from a near-fatal farm accident, his subsequent addiction to painkillers, and a public arrest for forging prescriptions. His story of overcoming obstacles speaks to anyone who loves competition, who has survived catastrophe, or who has pursued a seemingly impossible goal.

Genres: Sports, Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Josh Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid enough. I am blown away by his ability to run so much without much down time. First four marathons coming off no marathon-specific training was legit insane. A motivating book at times, though the prose was definitely lacking. 6/10

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read Duel in the Sun years ago and then again recently. Reading this book was more in depth. Dick has overcome so much but I felt so sad for him in most of this book. I've had the privilage of speaking with him on the phone once when he called to wish me good luck in a marathon. Such a nice guy and amazing marathoner.

[Enni Gregas · Rating 2 out of 5]

#19 on my 52-52 Quest: Content is gripping, but I give it a lower rating for the writing which I find immature, clumsy, trite, and uninspiring. The story of Dick Beardsley deserves better treatment.

Another regional hero---Dick Beardsley, a Minnesotan, set a Grandma's Marathon record in 1981 that held until this year, 2014. His personal story and his running story are loaded with drama, triumph, and crushing loss finally colliding in a tragic addiction to pain-killers---his "toughest race" which he overcomes with strength and humility. Beardsley's is one of the heroic tales from the golden age of the running epic. I'm glad to know this piece of running history.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Dick Beardsley because he always seems to be in good spirits, I think that's what sets him apart from other runners.

[Ned Fischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Open and authentic. A tragic unsung hero of the sport.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pace of this book was fitting of a marathon runner, never hit a dull spot.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been fortunate enough to meet Mr. Beardsley and he is just about the nicest most sincere man you can meet. My husband has heard his story through one of Dick's speaking engagements and has relayed it in great detail to me. Someday I hope to hear it for myself. In the meantime I have read his book and it is truly an unbelievable story. It is hard to believe this man is even alive much less running and inspiring people all over the country. Thank you Dick Beardsley for living out your mission.

[jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing tale of a person's jouney
to overcome incredible hardships.
The author and subject was a world class
marathoner who's life spiraled out of control
because of a series of horrific events and
debilitating precription drug addiction.
This is not a book about running or sports,
but it is about perserverance and rebirth.
Very inspirational.

[Matt C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard Dick Beardsley on a podcast in 2014 and really enjoyed listening to his story told his way which is how I ended up with the book as a present. However the clumsy structure and inconsistency of the writing really let down an important story that deserved much better treatment. I think the ghost writer really let him down.

[Mike Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story of a shooting star who flamed out too soon. He is a man who came back from adversity many times.

[Steve Gathje · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story. He went from being a decent but not great runner to being one of the best marathoners in the world in a very short time. And then he faced a battle with drug addiction that is even more remarkable.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the running accounts and felt for Dick's struggle with addiction. He is an inspiration.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

really puts things into perspective.

[Mark Fallon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent autobiography. Not as inspiring as I hoped it would be.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book.

[Debbie Wilreker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in two days, and that's rare for me. I devoured this book.

[Janna Jacobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great bio about one of the most amazing dedicated US runners that not many people knew.

[Kristen Gilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and inspiring.