WINNER IPPY Book Awards 2022; WINNER BIBA Book Awards 2022; WINNER ABF Best Book Awards 2022; SILVER Readers' Favorite Book Awards 2022; FINALIST Next Generation Indie Book Awards 2022; FINALIST IAN Book of the Year Award 2022; SEMI-FINALIST The BookLife Prize Awards 2022.
Irish Runner Magazine - 'A must-read.'
Reedsy - 5 stars – ‘different...engaging...refreshing.'
Readers' Favourite - 5 stars
Dean Karnazes (New York Times best-selling author and ultra-distance runner) - 'An intimate and uplifting story of grit, tenacity and healing and one that is sure to stir the soul.'
MARATHON MAN is an uplifting story of an extraordinary achievement – all the more inspiring given that the author was an inexperienced long-distance runner and only 20 when embarking on his mission to run 35 marathons in 35 consecutive days. Alan Corcoran’s response to the shock of his dad’s stroke, was to get active, create positive from negative and raise money for charity. Alan faced many obstacles along the road – beyond the sheer physical endurance challenge of running 1,500 kilometres around Ireland's coast. He candidly submerges the reader into his world with an endearingly light touch, showing how through sheer perseverance, you can achieve your objectives. Alan’s Irish humour, positivity and pure determination shine through this new sports memoir. Whatever your challenge, this motivational book will show you that you can succeed.
Kirkus Reviews - 'A charming, detailed running account that should appeal to fans of endurance stories...sense of humour throughout…the prose is beautiful.'
Irish Times - 'His humour, positivity and pure determination shine through this story.'
Love Reading (the UK's leading book recommendation website) - 'A fantastic read.'
Trail Running Magazine - 'The best running books have character, an amazing tale and passion. This ticks all those boxes and more.'
Indie Reader - 'For runners and non-runners alike...a well-structured and well-edited memoir written with an admirable level of openness and honesty...touching, meaningful and cautionary tale.'
Canadian Running Magazine – ‘We were hooked in the first few pages. Corcoran's descriptions of the training for, planning and execution of his dream are, by turns, hilarious and painful, and the accounts of each daily marathon are written in a charming Irish vernacular, increasingly joyful as the project nears completion.'
Irish Independent - '...a timely reminder that life is to be seized.'
Athletics Weekly Magazine - 'An inspirational tale.'
Eddie Jordan OBE - 'With total drive, belief and preparation anything can be achieved. Alan is a triumphant success and a huge example to all. Bravo!'
Men's Fitness Magazine - 'Inspiration for anyone to raise the bar on their own fitness goals.'
Books Behind the Badge (book reviewer) - 'captivating...heartwarming...humour was top-notch...fun...10/10.'
The World of Nonfiction Books (book reviewer) - 'An entertaining and uplifting read, especially if you're in need of motivation to accomplish a goal.'
Semi Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: This memoir about running 35 marathons in 35 days around the coast of Ireland is full of heart, humor, and determination, which makes it a compelling and inspiring read. It is also a story of family and about the power of dedication and positivity.
Prose: Corcoran’s prose is strong and charming, with humor and sincerity shining through, making it very readable. While it focuses on the language and world of running, it is also accessible to those who are not runners.
Originality: This is a unique story in how candid it is about the doubts and setbacks of this sport, but also in its distinct humor which provides levity. It is also honest about the challenges of deciding to do a charity run on one’s own, but it is ultimately an encouraging and hopeful narrative.
Character Development/Execution: Overall this was a well-organized and well-written memoir that is easy to follow and engaging. This inspirational story of impossible distances, sheer determination, and love of family will be enjoyed by runners of all kinds, from the weekend jogger to the seasoned marathoner.
Date Submitted: December 06, 2021
