Running the Smoke

It is the world's most iconic road race
It is 26.2 miles of world-famous landmarks, cheers, tears, sweat, pain, courage, determination and inspiration
It is triumph over adversity on a colossal scale
It is the London Marathon and it's an event unlike any other

Running the Smoke tells the story of what it's like to take part in the London Marathon in the most enlightening and enriching way possible: from the perspectives of twenty-six different runners who have been there and done it. Michael McEwan delves to the heart of these runners' stories, discovering their reasons for running and revealing the drive that has seen them cross the finishing line. From global superstars Sir Steve Redgrave and Michael Lynagh to legends in the running world such as Liz McColgan and Dick Beardlsey, from fun-runners like Lloyd Scott who ran the 2002 race in a deep-sea diving suit, to heroes of a different kind in multiple amputee Jamie Andrew, 7/7 terrorist attack survivor Jill Tyrrell, or Sadie Phillips who has twice defeated cervical cancer, Running the Smoke lifts the lid on an array astonishing stories that are often heart-breaking, always heart-warming - and endlessly inspirational.

Whether you are preparing for your first marathon or your 100th, Running the Smoke will give you the encouragement, insight and belief you need to follow in the footsteps of these remarkable individuals.