Chicago Marathon (Images of Sports) Paperback – Illustrated, September 21, 2009

I've been running since 1977 and doing marathons since 1981 and thus I thought I'd "seen it all" when it comes to running literature. Yet this book breaks new ground. I've got a shelf full of running books acquired in the passion of building up to some race or other: medical and training advice, history, personal stories, inspiration, and fiction.The author has deftly combined all but the last into one work while adding an element (photography) where his special gift is on display. (Having run the event with a camera on numerous occasions, Britt's one-of-a-kind photos capture the "moments of truth" and emotion that define the intimate human drama of the leaders, the strivers and the "back-of-the-packers" just trying to finish.)As a super-experienced runner (95+ marathons) and lifelong Chicago native, Britt knows whereof he writes in the advice he provides for tackling this race. Marathon neophytes as well as veterans will find valuable tips and tidbits amidst the photos. Britt's hard-won anecdotes about weather conditions and subtle course obstacles will help anyone to improve their performance, especially in the all-important realm of course visualization and mental rehearsal."Chicago Marathon: Images of Sports" also showcases the previously obscure history of the event through its lost roots in events of 1905-1909 -- an element I found utterly fascinating. (With the exception of one book on the history of the Boston Marathon, this is the only volume I know of to include such cross-generational perspective on a major running event.)Those familiar with the city will see an entirely different landscape (dirt roads, no real suburbs, old cars, fewer people), peppered with a few familiar landmarks still standing. Those with even a passing a knowledge of fitness will be amused by the bizarre customs Britt uncovered in his research (e.g., strychnine and alcohol served by misguided helpers, a 96-mile Milwaukee-to-Chicago 'ultra' event, a race leader who lost by falling asleep at an aide station, choking dust from unpaved streets, freight trains that crossed the course almost halting the race in its tracks.)While small in format, the book has the production values to hold its own on a coffee table, e.g., as take-off point for discussion (or post-race bragging -- gift-giving spouses take note!) As other reviewers have pointed out, the pictures are all in black and white, however I found the net effect was to draw comparisons between the early 1900's and early 2000's races. In one sense, not much has changed about the human demands of the marathon challenge.Mr. Britt has done something unique here that will be of interest on many levels well beyond those running (or planning to run) the Chicago Marathon.

This book delivers exactly what it promises: an historical and contemporary photographic look at the Chicago Marathon. It'll give you an idea of what to expect if you're planning to run it, mile by mile, and a good sense of the history of the race in which you're participating. The text is slight, but sufficient for the book's aim.