A Race Like No Other chronicles the 2007 NYC Marathon. The book is a series of human interest stories as well as a play by play of the men’s and women’s race, divided up into 26.2 chapters. The stories revolve around a cancer survivor running his first marathon, a Mother who had battled alcohol addiction, a 67 year old Grandma, as well as a good amount of material on Paula Radcliffe and Hendrick Ramaala.

I have never been a fan of human interest stories, part of the reason why I don’t enjoy Runner’s World yet I have no idea why I still have a subscription. I do like reading about elite/professional runners but find little interest in stories about average people overcoming obstacles. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s the truth, I mean if someone wrote a book about my running career, I’m pretty sure that I would find it boring and so would the rest of the population. However, I know that most people love human interest stories, it’s why Oprah inspired so many people to run the marathon. My personal feelings are that inspiration has to come from inside. It’s Bowerman telling Pre “You can’t coach desire Pre” pretty much sums up my thoughts right there.

On the flip side, Lance Armstrong coming back from cancer to win the Tour De France is one of the greatest sport stories to have ever happened. I just can’t get excited reading about a former alcoholic who now runs marathons, I’m sure that many people do find those stories inspirational but I’d rather read about Paula Radcliffe or Hendrick Ramaala.

Thus, this book is similar to “The Spirit of the Marathon” but in book form. The book is ok, I found it a tad more interesting than normal since I will be running the NYC Marathon this November. I found the course descriptions and the stories about some of the streets and neighborhoods rather fascinating.

However, I’m not sure if I would have finished the book had I not been running the NYC Marathon. Rather dull at times, but not horrible.

I give it 2/5 stars.

Thanks JM for lending me your copy.

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