"Hot on the heels of the world's most popular independent athletic competition, authors Kathrine Switzer and Roger Robinson take the full measure of the marathon race - an epic distance that has immortalized heroes, ignited scandals and created a multi-billion-dollar shoe industry. In 26.2 informative and entertaining chapters, they trace the history of this solitary endurance feat and its current place in contemporary popular culture." Incredible photography takes readers out on the road as marathoners from around the world prepare themselves for their 26.2 miles of glory. These powerful images capture the endless hours of practice, the grueling physical pace and the overwhelming rush of crossing the finish line.