26.2 Miles to Boston A Journey Into the Heart of the Boston Marathon

This all-new edition, which follows the Boston Marathon into the 21st century and through the tragedy of the 2013 race? is a colorful and moving portrait of what it feels like to run the Boston Marathon, putting readers squarely into the running shoes of anyone who has attempted the world's most prestigious long-distance race. The book is an inspiring history of the marathon and of the men and women of varying abilities whose struggles and triumphs have colored this historic event for over a century. From suburban Hopkinton, Massachusetts, to the center of metropolitan Boston, the author takes the reader through the mile-by-mile sights and sounds experienced by the runners, past and present.

For this new edition, author and lifetime Bostonian Michael Connelly conducts interviews with runners of the 2013 Marathon and those preparing to run in 2014 – which will prove to be the Marathon’s most historic, celebrated, and highly attended. While still containing the wonderful trivia, history, and traditions from the original edition, this updated edition will bring a wider point of view, weaving in the shocking events surrounding the 2013 race, the aftermath, and Boston’s resilience and commitment to make the 2014 race something special.

With a new foreword by four-time Boston Marathon winner Bill Rodgers

"A unique look at the event and what it means to the runners." - Boston Athletic Associaton

"26 Miles to Boston is a winner." Bill Rodgers, four-time Boston Marathon winner

"26 Miles to Boston puts you in the race. Mile after mile, my imagery and heart rate moved alonog the Boston Marathon course as I were actually back on it." - Jean Driscoll, eight-time women's wheelchair champion

andquot;The Boston Marathon is the story of America: Pride determination and sacrifice. After running 26.2 miles you see life and yourself differently. You feel part of American history. Michael Connelly captures that spirit.andquot; Ray Flynn, former Boston Mayor and Ambassador to the Holy See

Praise for the previous edition:

andquot;26 Miles to Boston puts you in the race. Mile after mile, my imagery and heart rate moved along the Boston Marathonand#160;course as I were actually back on it.andquot; - Jeanand#160;Driscoll, eight-time women's wheelchair champion

For this new edition, author and lifetime Bostonian Michael Connelly conducts interviews with runners of the 2013 Marathon and those preparing to run in 2014 – which will prove to be the Marathon’s most historic, celebrated, and highly attended. While still containing the wonderful trivia, history, and traditions from the original edition, this updated edition will bring a wider point of view, weaving in the shocking events surrounding the 2013 race, the aftermath, and Boston’s resilience and commitment to make the 2014 race something special.

With a new foreword by four-time Boston Marathon winner Bill Rodgers

117 years Strongand#8230;and Counting!

This all-new edition, which follows the Boston Marathon into the 21stand#160;century and through the tragedy of the 2013 race, is a colorful and moving portrait of what it feels like to run the worldand#8217;s oldest annual marathon, escorting the reader through the past, present, and bright future of the race.

26.2 Miles toand#160;Bostonand#160;is a rich, vibrant, and inspiring history of the Boston Marathon and of the men and women of varying abilities whose struggles and triumphs have colored this historic event for over a century.

From suburbanand#160;Hopkinton,and#160;Massachusetts, to the center of metropolitanand#160;Boston, the author takes readers through the mile-by-mile sights, sounds, and traditions that make the race what it is.

and#160;

Michael Connelly is a lifelong Bostonian and the author of Rebound!: Basketball, Busing, and Larry Bird, and the Rebirth of Boston; The Presidentandrsquo;s Team (featured in the CBS documentaryand#160;Marching On); The Great Book of Boston Sports Lists; and NBA List Jam. For fifteen years, he has written the popular blog andquot;The Top Ten,andquot; first with The Boston Herald and now with sportsofboston.com.and#160;Connelly ran and completed the 1996 Boston Marathon.

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