When Running Made History

Dive into 'When Running Made History,' a captivating memoir by Roger Robinson that chronicles the monumental moments in the history of running. This engaging book, published by Canterbury University Press, offers readers a front-row seat to the pivotal events that shaped the modern running movement, with a special focus on New Zealand’s remarkable contributions. Measuring 150 x 230 mm and spanning 328 pages, this paperback edition invites you to explore the evolution of women's running alongside the thrilling journeys of elite athletes like Allison Roe, Nick Willis, and Paula Radcliffe.

Through Robinson's unique insider perspective as a world-class runner, commentator, and writer, you’ll experience the excitement of running during key historical events—from the exhilarating moments at the London Olympics to the heart-wrenching aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings. 'When Running Made History' encapsulates the spirit and triumphs of running, shedding light on the inspirational figures who made their mark, including Emil Zátopek, Abebe Bikila, and Dick Tayler.

Discover how running transcends mere sport, influencing culture, society, and the environment. This book is a must-have for running enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates the powerful stories behind athletic achievements. Uncover the history of running and understand why millions across the globe cherish this sport. Perfect for your next reading adventure or as a thoughtful gift for a fellow runner, 'When Running Made History' promises a moving and motivational journey through the world of running.

Author: Roger Robinson Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 150 x 230 mm
Pages: 328
Publication Date: 22-02-2019

‘A front-row seat to running’s most inspiring and historic moments, with New Zealand in a major role.’ Nick Willis MNZM, two-time Olympic medallist, New Zealand record-holder 1500 m ‘Roger’s account of the global rise of women’s running is the best I’ve ever seen. I’m honoured that my win in the New York Marathon and Lorraine Moller’s in the Avon Marathon are central to his story.’ Allison Roe MBE, winner and record-breaker, Boston and New York City Marathons ‘Roger Robinson is uniquely placed to write this riveting memoir. Throughout the running revolution he’s been a world-class runner, commentator, broadcaster and writer. It is an insider’s view of running - intimate, persuasive and informative.’ Lloyd Jones, Hon DLitt, award-winning New Zealand novelist, Man Booker Prize finalist About The Book: Roger Robinson has been witness to many great moments in the history of running, and to those when running made history in ways beyond sport. As an excited child at the post-war London Olympics, an ardent spectator following the drama of Peter Snell and Murray Halberg at Rome, stadium announcer at the transformative Christchurch Commonwealth Games, TV commentator when Ben Johnson got busted, and more recently as a journalist reporting live on the Boston Marathon bombings, Robinson was there. In a unique cross-over of literature, history and autobiography, Robinson tells of running in Berlin at the moment of German reunification and in New York’s Central Park the day the Twin Towers fell; he is on the TV microphone for Kenya’s first major running victory; and has to find words to help a stadium crowd mourn for the lives lost in the Christchurch earthquake. ‘When Running Made History’ is a superb depiction of the modern running movement. It provides a compelling, close-up account of the American running boom, the defiant emergence of women’s running, the glorious dawn of Africa’s ascendance, the sport’s redefinition of ageing, and its important role in environmental conservation. Robinson lets us run alongside as history is made by Emil Zátopek, Abebe Bikila, Ron Clarke, Dick Tayler, Allison Roe, Paula Radcliffe, Nick Willis, Meb Keflezighi and 85-year-old superstar Ed Whitlock. Robinson brings to life the days when running shaped the world, and shows why so many millions love to run and why running is worth loving. About the Author: Roger Robinson, now Emeritus Professor, is remembered as an outstanding teacher of English at Canterbury and Victoria universities, and by a wider public as stadium announcer at the Christchurch and Auckland Commonwealth Games, and an acclaimed commentator for TVNZ. His books include ‘Katherine Mansfield: In From the Margin’, the ‘Oxford Companion to New Zealand Literature’ and ‘Heroes and Sparrows: A Celebration of Running’. ? Praise for the US edition of When Running Made History (Syracuse University Press, 2018): ‘Among the countless books on athletics and running that I have reviewed over the past 60 years, this seminal book is one of the very best. Readers will be enthralled by this eloquent, knowledgeable, humorous, poignant work by a wonderfully descriptive writer.’ Mel Watman, Athletics International, UK