Great Running Events by James Knight
A treasure trove for running enthusiasts, discover 26 iconic locations of Australia's breathtaking trails and runs in this beautiful hardback.
There are countless reasons why people run, often over torturing long distances, where the greatest challenges aren't the seemingly endless kilometres but those centimetres between the ears.
Great Running Events taps into the minds of a vast cross-section of participants who stretch themselves from the smallest fun-runs to the multi-day epics through some of Australia's most demanding and spectacular terrains.
"Running reflects community," says the book's author, James Knight, a self-confessed 'plodder' who has run since he was in primary school 'too many years and miles ago.' "Just think about it. How many other sports are there which see the world's elite compete on the same course at the same time as those of us who'll never win more than a sponge cake in a school raffle?" asks Knight. "We may all have individual goals and ambitions, but we come together to be as one mighty human force. It's heartwarming and so very powerful."
Knight stresses that Great Running Events is not a compilation of the 'best of' running races across Australia, but a broad introductory overview of the types of opportunities available to those who want to conquer distances. In doing so, the book features many personal (and often emotional) stories of competitors whose lives have been affected by their running experiences.
The book not only reveals the strength of human character, but the irresistible connection we can grow to have with natural environments that too many of us take for granted. From central Australia to the Great Ocean Road, the Blue Mountains to remote Western Australia, there are events that take participants on enriching, often life-changing journeys. And then there are the urban settings. The Melbourne Marathon finishes on the hallowed turf of the MCG; in Sydney, thousands and thousands flow across the Harbour Bridge on their way to finishing at the Opera House; and on the Gold Coast, ocean views present stunning backdrops to a human tide.
Post the Covid-lockdown age, mass participation running events across Australia are booming. Whether it's a two-kilometre suburban street dash or going solo over a multiday race in which the most demanding terrain you encounter is in your mind, there is an event for you.
The rise in the popularity of running is part of a dynamic shifting of attitudes about the way we approach physical and mental endurance challenges. As Steve Moneghetti says in the introduction to the book, "what happened out of the Covid period is that so many people found exercise because it was one of the few things they could do. Individuals suddenly realised they could step into their runners, step outside and run – and as a result, latched on to all the benefits of running: mental well-being, good health, looking after weight and fitness."
This book does not provide a definitive list of running events in our country, nor does it boast a 'best of' theme. Instead, it is a snapshot of people, places and races... Great Australian Runs aims to inspire, inform, acknowledge and celebrate running and its people, places and races. (Taken from the introduction to the book, by James Knight)
Hardcover and fully illustrated, this book is a treasure trove for running enthusiasts. It showcases the top 26 most breathtaking and challenging marathon and running routes nationwide. It will take you on a journey through Australia's most iconic and diverse running courses – from the urban intensity of the Sydney Marathon to the rugged beauty of the Great Ocean Road and the remote challenge of the Outback Marathon. This list highlights the courses that should be on every runner's bucket list.
Written by seasoned plodder James Knight, the book details race histories, signature stretches and the joys and challenges of being part of Australia's vibrant running community. With stunning colour photography, Great Running Events Australia will inspire you to lace up and start planning your own running adventure.
Great Running Events
There are countless reasons why people run, often over torturing long distances, where the greatest challenges aren't the seemingly endless kilometres but those centimetres between the ears.
Great Running Events taps into the minds of a vast cross-section of participants who stretch themselves from the smallest fun-runs to the multi-day epics through some of Australia's most demanding and spectacular terrains.
"Running reflects community," says the book's author, James Knight, a self-confessed 'plodder' who has run since he was in primary school 'too many years and miles ago.' "Just think about it. How many other sports are there which see the world's elite compete on the same course at the same time as those of us who'll never win more than a sponge cake in a school raffle?" asks Knight. "We may all have individual goals and ambitions, but we come together to be as one mighty human force. It's heartwarming and so very powerful."
Knight stresses that Great Running Events is not a compilation of the 'best of' running races across Australia, but a broad introductory overview of the types of opportunities available to those who want to conquer distances. In doing so, the book features many personal (and often emotional) stories of competitors whose lives have been affected by their running experiences.
The book not only reveals the strength of human character, but the irresistible connection we can grow to have with natural environments that too many of us take for granted. From central Australia to the Great Ocean Road, the Blue Mountains to remote Western Australia, there are events that take participants on enriching, often life-changing journeys. And then there are the urban settings. The Melbourne Marathon finishes on the hallowed turf of the MCG; in Sydney, thousands and thousands flow across the Harbour Bridge on their way to finishing at the Opera House; and on the Gold Coast, ocean views present stunning backdrops to a human tide.
Post the Covid-lockdown age, mass participation running events across Australia are booming. Whether it's a two-kilometre suburban street dash or going solo over a multiday race in which the most demanding terrain you encounter is in your mind, there is an event for you.
The rise in the popularity of running is part of a dynamic shifting of attitudes about the way we approach physical and mental endurance challenges. As Steve Moneghetti says in the introduction to the book, "what happened out of the Covid period is that so many people found exercise because it was one of the few things they could do. Individuals suddenly realised they could step into their runners, step outside and run – and as a result, latched on to all the benefits of running: mental well-being, good health, looking after weight and fitness."
This book does not provide a definitive list of running events in our country, nor does it boast a 'best of' theme. Instead, it is a snapshot of people, places and races... Great Australian Runs aims to inspire, inform, acknowledge and celebrate running and its people, places and races. (Taken from the introduction to the book, by James Knight)
Hardcover and fully illustrated, this book is a treasure trove for running enthusiasts. It showcases the top 26 most breathtaking and challenging marathon and running routes nationwide. It will take you on a journey through Australia's most iconic and diverse running courses – from the urban intensity of the Sydney Marathon to the rugged beauty of the Great Ocean Road and the remote challenge of the Outback Marathon. This list highlights the courses that should be on every runner's bucket list.
Written by seasoned plodder James Knight, the book details race histories, signature stretches and the joys and challenges of being part of Australia's vibrant running community. With stunning colour photography, Great Running Events Australia will inspire you to lace up and start planning your own running adventure.
Great Running Events
by James Knight
Gelding Street Press
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