Boston: A Century of Running

by Hal Higdon

" A Century of Running" remains the best history of the Boston Athletic Association Marathon. This book originally was published by Rodale in 1995, the year before the 100th running of the Boston Athletic Association Marathon. In its hardcover edition, "Boston" was a coffee table book, costing $40, fine paper, archival photographs, many in full color, telling the history of the world’s oldest marathon. Eventually, "Boston" went out of print. Mint copies recently have been offered on Amazon at prices between $100 and $300, although used copies can be acquired for much less. This special edition for Kindle preserves the text from the 1995 edition minus the pictures. If you are looking for an authoritative and succinct history of this, the world's oldest, continuously run marathon, this is it. Many Boston Marathons have been run since the publication of A Century of Running," but the story remains as fresh as ever.Here is how Library Journal reviewed the first "Anyone who has tried distance running at one time or another considers the Boston Marathon as the mecca of the 26.2 milers. In 1996, Boston will host its 100th marathon. Higdon, a writer for Runner's World magazine, has compiled an inspirational volume endorsed by the Boston Athletic Association as the official collector's edition. Higdon's passion for running is evident as he traces the origins of the race, highlighting the legends and the many 'ordinary people' who make the annual event a great occasion. This work is a unique title featuring an assortment of archival photographs and anecdotes and will unquestionably be treasured as a memento by all running fans."The archival photographs are not available in this Kindle edition, but the inspiring text remains the same. A Century of Running remains a fit companion to Higdon's latest book, 4:09:43: Boston 2013 Through the Eyes of the Runners.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1995

About the author

Hal Higdon is an American writer and runner. He has contributed to Runner's World magazine longer than any other writer. He is the author of 34 books, including the best-selling Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide. He has worked as a freelance writer since 1959, and has written a variety of subjects including a children's book that was made into an animated feature. He ran eight times in the United States Olympic Trials and won four World Masters Championships. He is one of the founders of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA).

Reviews

[Joshua Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was written for the 100-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon. As it's really a "coffee table" book, I found it to be a predictably dry read.

[Sheila M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Cherie · Rating 2 out of 5]

B Some great photos of the Boston marathon, along with a history; for those who are obsessed with the Boston Marathon only. A lot of it is not that interesting; not enough focus given to the start of women's running in the BAAMarathon, or to women runners.

[Burd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone who is planning to or who has run the Boston Marathon. The chapter on Dick Beardsley and Alberto Salazar is my favorite. It inspired me to read Duel in the Sun which I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Hardeep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite simply a fantastic book on the history of this famed marathon. Incredible photographs too!

[Kevin J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, for a coffee table book.

[JP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice history about the Boston Marathon to help understand the lore of the world's oldest marathon. Expected more coverage on racing strategy and training tactics.