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Runner: A short story about a long run Paperback – June 15, 2015

by Lizzy Hawker (Author)
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 474 ratings
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From a school girl running the streets of London to a world record-breaking athlete racing on mountains, long-distance runner Lizzy Hawker is an inspiration to anyone who would like to see how far they can go, running or not. This is the complete story of Lizzy’s journey, uncovering the physical, mental and emotional challenges that runners go through at the edge of human endurance.

Scared witless and surrounded by a sea of people, Lizzy Hawker stands in the church square at the centre of Chamonix on a late August evening, waiting for the start of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. The mountains towering over the pack of runners promise a grueling 8,600 metres of ascent and descent over 158 kilometres of challenging terrain that will test the feet, legs, heart and mind. These nervous moments before the race signal not just the beginning of nearly twenty-seven hours of effort that saw Lizzy finish as first woman, but the start of the career of one of Britain’s most successful endurance athletes.

She went on to become the 100km Women’s World Champion, win the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc an unprecedented five times, hold the world record for 24 hours road running and become the first woman to stand on the overall winners’ podium at Spartathlon. Lizzy’s remarkable spirit was recognised in 2013 when she was a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    288 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Aurum Press
  4. Publication date
    June 15, 2015
  5. Dimensions
    5.38 x 0.88 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1781311471
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1781311479
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The astonishing Lizzy Hawker’s story provides a much-needed female slant on the sport. Where this could have been an insufferable list of extremes endured, Hawker’s generosity of spirit and faith in what running can do for one’s soul makes it a rather moving tribute to what all of us might be capable of." - Independent on Sunday

"Runneris beautifully written and as packed with pure inspiration (and possibility) as any book ever written on the subject, destined to become a classic of the genre." - RunningMonkey

"A book that will make you think and, of course, want to go running in the mountains." - Adventure Travel

"About what it means to be a runner, facing the highs and the lows, being full of doubt, but also determined. This book will inspire and enthuse you to move outside of your comfort zone and live life." - Get Ultrarunning

"Need inspiration? This book tells ultra-athlete Lizzy Hawker’s story. From winning the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc to becoming the 100K Women’s World Champion, Lizzy’s story is truly moving." - Health & Fitness

"She's held the world record for distance covered in 24 hours and is a five-time winner of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. Runner follows her through that 100 mile race, breaking off to explore what driver her, and the physical, mental and emotional challenge of pushing the limits." - SPORT Magazine

About the Author

Inspired by mountains and wilderness, Lizzy Hawker 'fell' into the world of ultra-distance and endurance running more by chance than by design. Endurance has always been a way of life for Lizzy, rather than a sport. But having the courage to take some unexpected opportunities opened doors, and her achievements snowballed both on the road and the trail. She is the world record holder for 24hrs and was the 2006 world champion in 100km on the road. She is also 4-time winner of The North Face Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, and in 2011 set a new record running from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Aurum Press (June 15, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1781311471
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1781311479
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.38 x 0.88 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 474 ratings

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
474 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Ulrike Riemenschneider
5.0 out of 5 stars It is a wonderful read, an great love story for the sport ...
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2015
Verified Purchase
In the last 48 hours I dove into the mountainous world of the Alps and the Himalayas running in spirit for hundreds of miles along rocky mountain trails. I stopped to sleep and eat and use the bathroom. It is extremely rare that a book pulls me in as this book did and I have the luxury of time to finish in in almost one solid sitting. It is a wonderful read, a great love story for the sport of running, for the mountains, and for life.

The challenges we set ourselves or that life presents us with are what make Lizzy's story and our own individual stories rich and worthy of sharing. We each have a story to tell and we belong to each others stories. Lizzy tells hers very eloquently. Thank you for sharing it with us!!
3 people found this helpful
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James Howe
4.0 out of 5 stars A book for those who want to dream big and push the limits
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2016
Verified Purchase
Lizzy hawker has done a great job catching the spirit of trail running and putting it down on paper. This is not just a story of success, rainbows, lollipops and happiness - Lizzy talks through her hard times and challenges, what drives her, what made her keep going and how she achieved it. A well written narrative with a storyline suitable for a movie. If you like to dream big, read this book
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Kate D.
3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2016
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I love her as a runner. However; as a running philosopher, not so much.
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Ingrid Sell
5.0 out of 5 stars unexpectedly loved this book
Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2016
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unexpectedly loved this book! Lizzy Hawker is an amazing athlete, yet she writes in an unassuming way - not falsely humble, but with a genuine love for running long in gorgeous but challenging terrain and a matter-of-fact delivery that makes it seem like she is recounting her adventures to friends. She is able to evoke the feeling of her races and runs along with the places she runs through. and She is an amazingly accomplished athlete without the big ego you would expect.
3 people found this helpful
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ann llewellyn
4.0 out of 5 stars This is an amazing story about an elite ultra runner
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2015
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This is an amazing story about an elite ultra runner. It is a world I am not a part of yet I enjoyed learning about all the ins and outs of endurance races. Lizzy tells her story in a very inspiring manner and takes the reader on a travel adventure of a lifetime.
One person found this helpful
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Anna B.
5.0 out of 5 stars For all runners
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2015
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I read a lot of books written by and for runners, but this novel from Lizzy Hawker is exceptional. It is very inspiring, and makes you think about what are the real important things in life.
If you are into running, its a must, if not, its still a good read.
3 people found this helpful
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Adam Machanic
2.0 out of 5 stars An Overly Long Story About Even Longer Runs
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2016
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I found the beginning of this book to be quite engaging -- the story of a woman starting on her journey as an elite ultrarunner, and discovering that she had talents she didn't know she possessed.

I read on, and on, and on ... and the rest of the book was filled with more of the same. After a while the stories become dull and repetitive, the tone becomes increasingly arrogant, and one starts to wonder why this book was published at all. Here's a synopsis: She goes to Nepal, runs the same exact route at least three times -- each of which is told in excruciating detail -- and stops at the same inns for the same food. And she's an amazing runner and always wins races except when injured.

The beginning would have made for a great magazine piece. Unfortunately, the story in its entirety is just not all that compelling. And to make matters worse, the editing is slipshod and the book is full of odd grammatical inconsistencies.

One shining note came very late in the book, with a discussion on the spiritual implications of long-distance running. I found that section to be interesting and fairly thought provoking. If you encounter this book, my recommendation is that you read the first chapter, then skip to the end. You'll not miss out on much by passing over the detailed descriptions of her various running feats. You can look them up on Wikipedia if you're bored.
One person found this helpful
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Pamela Lindmark
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic chronicle
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2017
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Fantastic chronicle of this woman's venture into endurance running, i.e. ultra marathoning in amazing locations. Her writing is strong and good, the insights into life and running very rewarding and motivational.
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Top reviews from other countries

Doodle_Marti
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Italy on June 4, 2017
Verified Purchase
Amazing book. I'm Italian and I've bought in in the original language because it's not translated yet, such a pity! But anyway, one of my favorite books ever. Lizzy is such inspirational and surely a must have for all the runners and mountain lovers.
One person found this helpful
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Sachiyo
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing woman
Reviewed in Japan on August 10, 2019
Verified Purchase
My friend recommended before UTMB then I took this. Actually I wasn’t expected so much but I was wrong. I would recommend every trail runner
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saul
4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring
Reviewed in Spain on October 16, 2016
Verified Purchase
Very kindly written. The author transmits wonderfully her love for the mountains. All my respect for her way of feeling
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Miss E J Greenwood
5.0 out of 5 stars An inspirational read, not just for runners
Reviewed in Canada on October 30, 2015
Verified Purchase
If you are in need of running inspiration or just inspiration in general of how to live life to the full and seek challenges without limitation, this is a book for you. As inspiring story of a life led with purpose, challenge and with conscious thought. A very engaging and easy read, and a book that I can see I will read numerous times.
One person found this helpful
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rajesh
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read, story of a humble achiever's journey
Reviewed in India on June 14, 2016
Verified Purchase
It is a story told as if she is having a conversation with you! While her achievements speak for themselves what you discover is a humane, humble person who is also vulnerable like any of us. It has a ending that leaves you wondering what do you do in similar situations... Keep pondering!!
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