Russ Clayton is a young man who keeps losing the important people in his life. Each time someone disappears, he finds himself adrift. The Universe stacked against him. He only finds peace running alone on the roads of his small town in Kansas. Russ finally believes that everyone in his life is gone. Feeling abandoned, he gives himself up wholly to the running by setting an impossible goal. But, he needs help. Long ago, Brad Coy was the fastest marathoner on the planet, but a man who also lost everything he valued to a cheating Russian runner named Yuri Grimlov. Finding a kinship, Coy and Russ team up, retreat to the desert, on a quest to shatter the brain's protective hold on the body that prevents us from reaching our physical limits of speed and endurance. Meanwhile, Grimlov has been charged with restoring Russia's tarnished reputation for doping its distance runners. He takes two twin boys from their family and subjects them to his special mixture of psychological manipulation, doping, and scientific training. Inevitably, Coy and Grimlov face off again. Russ discovers whether he really ever was alone in the world and the Twins confront the limits of their love for each other.
Industry Reviews
"A dramatic coming-of-age story with compelling racing scenes, Fawley's novel follows the journey of a young athlete who's pursuing his dreams, despite all odds. Fawley delivers a novel that effectively develops serious themes of passion, privilege, and the importance of family and community . . . and avoids common tropes that often bedevil other works of sports fiction." -- Kirkus Reviews
"The Frontrunner features a big cast of eccentric characters, and a hero who is chasing the impossible Olympic "quad"--the 1500 meters, the 5000 meters, the 10,000 meters, and the marathon. Improbable at times but heart-thumping all the while, the story never falters in its searing pace. Brad Fawley is as skilled at weaving a complex, compelling plot as he is at understanding the physical and psychological depths of a great runner's training. The Frontrunner is impossible to put down, and intriguing to the last page." --Amby Burfoot, winner, 1968 Boston Marathon. Author, Run Forever, and other books
"Within the first 40 pages, I was hooked. Doug, explaining to Chuck and Russ what it takes to race well, puts into words what many know/feel, but can't verbalize. Brad nails it!" --Mike Dunlap, former professional with the Brooks running team, two-time U.S. Olympic Team marathon trials qualifier, and co-host of the "Beards and Dun" Podcast
"The Frontrunner belongs in the annals with the great novels of running culture. I was immediately immersed. It's a wonderful and at times heart-wrenching, coming-of-age story about human potential, and overcoming tragic life obstacles, but it's also driven by a powerful narrative engine." --Christopher Kelsall, Athletics Illustrated Magazine
"Brad Fawley has written a character who shows that running can be the spiritual practice that allows us to transcend our own limitations. The Frontrunner is a hero's journey, but the quest isn't for greatness, it's for freedom. Fawley's astute observations of the human psyche will inspire readers to face their own obstacles on their paths toward finding out who they are." --Scott F. Parker, author of The Joy of Running Qua Running
"A book that rivals the cult classic, John Parker's Once a Runner. Fawley captures everything runners face--from the challenges of training and racing at all levels to life and love. . . . Brad's writing cannot be beaten." --Larry Coy, Six-Time All American Distance Runner
"Brad Fawley's first novel aims high. A well-crafted, realistic story of overcoming loss through running morphs into the ultimate Olympic golden fantasy...this is Once a Runner on steroids." --Roger Robinson, award-winning author, Boston & New York masters record-breaker
"Even if you've never laced up a pair of running shoes, you'll fall in love with The Frontrunner--a modern-day 'Breaking Away.' Fawley's startling first novel immediately gets you behind his underdog hero, Russ Clayton. Alone, with everything stacked against him, he chases an impossible dream, only to find the elixir he seeks has been right before his eyes all along. Like the best stories, it is a celebration of human resilience, honor, sacrifice, and triumph over loss." --Hawk Ostby, writer of the Oscar-nominated screenplay for Children of Men, the Marvel movie Iron Man, Cowboys & Aliens, and the hit television series, The Expanse
