When Running Made History, by Roger Robinson

Ever since 8-year-old Roger Robinson cheered for Emil Zatopek at the 1948 Olympics, he has managed to be present at many highlights of running history.  As a child, as a runner, as a journalist, and as a race official or race announcer, Robinson has had a front row seat at many significant events and milestones in the world of running.  In When Running Made History, Robinson not only tells his stories and first-hand accounts, but weaves them into a wide-ranging historical look at the evolution of the sport.

Zatopek's wins at the 1948 Olympics inspired Robinson because "he gave hope to runners like me, who had little natural talent or seed, showing us that sheer hard work can make you a better runner and that all the hard work can still be fun."  With that foundation, Robinson went on to become a competitive runner, winning his share of races and setting a few records along the way.  As an academic, he got to do his share of writing as well, and, given his speaking experience, was recruited as a stadium announcer and television commentator at races and meets.

He was there when Bikila ran by, barefoot, on his way to win the marathon at the 1960 Olympics, marking the rise of African dominance in the marathon.  He traveled through the U.S. and a runner and writer to witness the rise of the running boom.  He was the television announcer at the 1988 World Cross-Country Championships in Aukland when Kenyans took 8 of the top 9 spots.  He calls it "the greatest display of team running in history."  But more than just a great win, it marked the confirmation of Kenya as a dominant force in running.

Because Robinson is a runner himself, he gains perspectives that other sports writers don't get.  He's fast enough to run with elite runners in workouts and even compete with them, as when he won the master's division at the Boston Marathon.  As a participant or observer, he has great insights.  He also benefits from being married to a running legend, Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as an official entrant.  Switzer became a promoter of women's races and advocate for women in racing, so Robinson naturally includes that historical perspective as well.

Any runner, whether a casual weekend 5K runner or a long-time competitor, will enjoy Robinson's insider stories and historical accounts.  He does a great job of putting his experiences into context and celebrating the rise of running as a popular sport.  I've said before that a measure of a book about running is whether, after reading it, I am eager to go for a run.  When Running Made History not only does that, but it also inspires me to pay closer attention to records and record-breakers.  Running is such a simple human action, but it continues to be the source of great fun, drama, and inspiration.


Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!