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Once a Runner

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About this listen

 Once a Runner captures the essence of what it means to be a competitive runner; to devote your entire existence to a single-minded pursuit of excellence. It has become one of the most beloved sports novels ever written. Originally self-published in 1978 and sold at road races out of the trunk of the author's car, reading the book became a rite of passage for many runners, and tattered copies were handed down like sacred texts from generation to generation.

Once a Runner is the story of Quenton Cassidy, a collegiate runner at fictional Southeastern University whose lifelong dream is to run a four-minute mile. He is less than a second away when the political and cultural turmoil of the Vietnam War era intrudes into the staid recesses of his school's athletic department. After he becomes involved in an athletes' protest, Cassidy is suspended from his track team.

Under the tutelage of his friend and mentor, Bruce Denton, a graduate student and former Olympic gold medalist, Cassidy gives up his scholarship, his girlfriend, and possibly his future to withdraw to a monastic retreat in the countryside and begin training for the race of his life: a head-to-head match with the greatest miler in history.

This audiobook is a rare insider's account of the incredibly intense lives of elite distance runners; an inspiring, funny, and spot-on tale of one man's quest to become a champion.

©2009 John L Parker (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc. Coming of Age Exercise & Fitness Fiction Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Running & Jogging Sports

Critic reviews

"The best novel ever written about running." ( Runner's World)
All stars
Most relevant
I was there - with the night runners:-) A great book for audio and beautifully read. Everyone who has ever put one foot in from=nt of the other should listen to this book:-)

Simply Lovely

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I have listened to countless running biographies and never thought I would enjoy a fictional running book. I am happy to admit I was very wrong.
I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book and am delighted to see that there are 2 other books in this series.
Patrick Lawlor is also a credit to this audio book.

Surprisingly brilliant

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I love books that take you inside the mind of a runner and attempt to offer explanations about the single minded dedication and pain that I guess all runners experience. This book, set largely on a US college campus, is both fascinating and feels real. I run and so can empathise with much of the activity - it may be less interesting for non-runners...

Enjoyable for Runners and with a great finish

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If you've had any involvement in endurance sport then you'll enjoy this. Basically, a story of no gain without pain and total dedication, plus a good ending and it's beautifully written. Well read too.

Feel the pain!!

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Found it compulsive listening, but I am a runner. The theme is running but the book is about zealously following a passion, working hard day after day, overcoming obstacles to succeed or at least having the satisfaction of giving everything. Some of the characters are devoid of substance and few real setbacks for the lead character. I will listen again.

Trial of miles and miles of trials

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