One of the most remarkable – and controversial – sporting figures in British history, Chris Brasher piled unique achievement on unique achievement.
It was Chris Brasher who, along with Chris Chataway, paced Roger Bannister to break the 4-minute mile. Then he won his own Olympic Gold Medal in the steeplechase at the 1956 Olympics. Probably best known now for founding the London Marathon, Chris went on to become one of the founders of the modern sports of fell-running and orienteering.. At the Observer, he also effectively invented modern sports feature writing. Plus, he also invented the now-ubiquitous Brasher walking boot, with the revolutionary aim of making heavy boots as comfortable as training shoes. Along the way he built up a highly successful sportswear chain, and even, in later life a stable of racehorses.
But Chris Brasher was also a highly controversial individual: irascible, domineering – a good friend but a bad enemy – and above all a hugely competitive man who had to win in everything he did.
Now, John Bryant, who knew Brasher well as a friend, has written the extraordinary story of this impossible and amazing man’s life. Whether you’re a sports journalist, a Lakeland fell-runner, a weekend rambler or one of the 50,000 competitors in the London Marathon, Chris Brasher changed your life.
Chris Brasher: The Authorised Biography
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‘John Byrant has captured perfectly Brasher’s relentless energy and tireless passion for running, journalism and life.’
(Athletics International )'a fascinating portrait of the man who changed so many people' s lives'
(The Leader )'brilliantly written...at times riveting account of a difficult yet fascinating man'
(Outdoor Fitness )About the Author
John Bryant was formerly editor of the Daily Telegraph, and is the author of books on the London Marathon and the 4-minute mile. He lives in London.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Chris Brasher The Man Who Made The London Marathon is the fascinating saga of a man who would not take no for an answer. If all of Brasher's exceptional achievements were listed it would be a chapter not a forward. Pacing Roger Bannister in the four-minute mile, winning an Olympic gold, establishing orienteering and fell running in Britain, mountaineering creating the Brasher boot and becoming a millionaire for the second time, being one of the U.K.'s top sports journalists, head of BBC department and a successful racehorse owner to name just a few- Wow!
John Bryant the author of this engaging authorised biography was a lifelong friend of Brasher and is also a runner of some note- Oxford blue, county champion coached Zola Budd and now president of the world's oldest running club and chairman of the London Marathon trustees. This Fleet Street Man has the lifelong reputation of gentleman journalist, a former editor-in-chief of the Daily Telegraph, Executive Editor of the Mail and Deputy Editor of The Times for more than a decade and established author the expectation for a balanced, insightful and engaging read with the right mix of facts and entertainment is high. Bryant exceeds all expectations and has produced an inspiring book which I genuinely couldn't put down.
I had the good fortune to meet Chris Brasher several times. One time I was running with club members including Bryant along the Thames, Brasher was cycling past and he slowed down to chat and give me encouragement. When I was getting out of breath he cycled on and passed Bryant at great speed and shouted 'keep up'. Bryant has certainly caught the essence of this incredible man whose legacy of the London Marathon and the beautiful areas of countryside he has preserved lives on with as much energy and enthusiasm as he did. I loved this inspiring book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did and that like me you will feel a bit of Brasher has rubbed off.
John Bryant the author of this engaging authorised biography was a lifelong friend of Brasher and is also a runner of some note- Oxford blue, county champion coached Zola Budd and now president of the world's oldest running club and chairman of the London Marathon trustees. This Fleet Street Man has the lifelong reputation of gentleman journalist, a former editor-in-chief of the Daily Telegraph, Executive Editor of the Mail and Deputy Editor of The Times for more than a decade and established author the expectation for a balanced, insightful and engaging read with the right mix of facts and entertainment is high. Bryant exceeds all expectations and has produced an inspiring book which I genuinely couldn't put down.
I had the good fortune to meet Chris Brasher several times. One time I was running with club members including Bryant along the Thames, Brasher was cycling past and he slowed down to chat and give me encouragement. When I was getting out of breath he cycled on and passed Bryant at great speed and shouted 'keep up'. Bryant has certainly caught the essence of this incredible man whose legacy of the London Marathon and the beautiful areas of countryside he has preserved lives on with as much energy and enthusiasm as he did. I loved this inspiring book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did and that like me you will feel a bit of Brasher has rubbed off.
By Latchlifter
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Excellent. the book explains the dogged determination he showed in achieving what he set out to do and naturally he upset a few people along the way. Once an idea was formed he applied himself whole heartedly taking others along with him. i can thank him for developing the "Brasher Boot" which certainly lived up to its reputation.
I have recommended the book to a good number of friends.
I have recommended the book to a good number of friends.
By David YE
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Chris Brasher embodied all that we might like to have been but maybe didn't have the sheer bloody-mindedness to pursue. I like to feel that I "knew" Chris a little. Our paths certainly crossed and I am grateful to him for what he has added to my life.
I echo previous reviewers' comments. This is an inspiring read which does not shirk the less appealing side of Chris' character.
I notice that it is about to come out in Paperback. I recommend it to you.
I echo previous reviewers' comments. This is an inspiring read which does not shirk the less appealing side of Chris' character.
I notice that it is about to come out in Paperback. I recommend it to you.
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