The Longest Race: A Lifelong Runner, an Iconic Ultramarathon, and the Case for Human Endurance

by Ed Ayres

Among endurance runners, there are those who have run very long distances, and then there are those who have run very long distances for a very long time. Ed Ayres exemplifies the latter; having run in over 600 races across fifty-five years, he is arguably the most experienced American distance runner still competing today. A book no one else could have written, The Longest Race is his urgent exploration of the connection between individual endurance and a sustainable society. The Longest Race begins at the starting line of the 2001 JFK 50 Mile―the nation’s oldest and largest ultramarathon and, like other such races, an epic test of human limits and aspiration. At age sixty, his sights set on breaking the age-division record, Ayres embarks on a course over the rocky ridge of the Appalachian Trail, along the headwind-buffeted towpath of the Potomac River, and past momentous Civil War sites such as Harpers Ferry and Antietam. But even as Ayres focuses on concerns familiar to every endurance runner―starting strong and setting the right pace, the art of breathing, overcoming fatigue, mindfulness for the course ahead―he finds himself as preoccupied with the future of our planet as with the finish line of this 50-mile race. A veteran journalist and environmental editor who harbors deep anxiety about our longterm prospects, Ayres helps us to understand how the skills and mindset necessary to complete an ultramarathon are also essential for grappling anew with the imperative to endure ―not only as individuals, but as a society―and not just for 50 miles, but in the longest race we are all called upon to run.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Audiobook, Memoir, Health, Fitness, Biography

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 9, 2012

Reviews

[Christie Bane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really, and I mean REALLY wanted to like this book. It's by a well-known figure in the endurance running world and I totally looked forward to it because it seemed right up my alley.

And then... then, it just didn't work for me! The backdrop for the book is his progress through the JFK 50-miler. Now, it's only been a week since I finished this book and I have already mostly forgotten what it was about, but I am pretty sure it was making a comparison of the human race's progress as the custodians of the earth to a runner's progress through an endurance event. I think this guy's job has something to do with the environment (again can't believe I forgot it already because it's only been a short time). I did not feel like I got any new perspective on the environmental issues and truthfully got annoyed every time the author left the subject of the race to talk about the environment.

I'm sure lots of people loved this book, but I personally wish he would have just stuck to the subject of ultrarunning.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, well written book. The author describes his experiences running the JFK 50 miles race and parallels the various stages of running such a long distance with other aspects of life, like nature, war and history. I enjoyed it, even though I wished it had some more about the actual race. I definitely enjoyed the appendix with an introduction to ultra running.

[Meg Dunley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be asked to read this book for review. It is not a book that I would normally read as I understood it first to be just a book about running when I received it (and I am definitely not a runner). Once I got started into it, I realised that Ed Ayres had so much more to tell.

Ed Ayres at sixty ran the 2001 JFK 20 Mile, America's oldest and largest ultramarathon. Not only did he start the ultramarathon, but he also completed it. He is not new to running - he has been running for a very long period of time. He discovered running as a teen when the world was changing after World War II and his parents resisted the trend of buying a TV meaning he spent more time outdoors playing.

The Longest Race takes us, the reader, along with him on this gruelling race. As we come along with him in the race in the comfort of in the pages of the book, we are also taken on a journey of the exploration between human endurance and a sustainable society. It is through this exploration of a sustainable society that he makes us think about how we are living now and what the impact will be on the future. This is a deeply philosophical book that, whilst requiring patience to read, is worth the work. Ed uses his knowledge as an experienced journalist and environmental editor to pose poigniant questions and provide us with very useful information.

There are some great facts laced through the story like how boys who increased their cardiovascular fitness from ages fifteen to eighteen - by participating in cross-country running or skiing - scored significantly higher on tests of intelligence than those who didn't. He tries to teach the reader about patience, one key ingredient for him as he makes his way through the ultramarathon. His observations throughout the story are on the changing world and what we hold up as valuable and memorable (ie brand names as opposed to the names of birds and plants). Many of his reflections are on how we have come from a time when we had to work hard for what we needed to now when we are surrounded by so much choice.

I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in a sustainable future. Any (crazy) marathon runners out there may also enjoy this for the running tips that he laces throughout the book and the 'Notes for an Aspiring Ultramarathon Runner' that he has added at the end.

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not an easy book to read. It is dense, intellectual, philosophical, and asks a reader to examine their own beliefs, biases, and prejudices rather than just going along for the ride while the author tells a story. It is a subtle call to action painted against the backdrop of the JFK 50 ultra-marathon. I had to read this small book (232) pages in measured doses as there was so much to take in. I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a book that make you feel as well as think.[book:The Longest Race:

Simultaneously published on Top Hat Reviews

[Corbin Pontious · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of fun and interesting stories from the early years of the sport. Some good information for those less experienced unfortunately mixed with questionable anecdotal advice and some simply incorrect physiology. Somewhat disappointing from an author with a career as a "research editor". Spends a lot of time trying to tie in climate change as an analogy to ultrarunning in a clunky and superficial way. Lastly, this story involves a hefty dose of technology-is-bad-ism; boring!

[Shari · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone interested in all things ultra running and an aspiring ultrarunner, I was a bit disappointed by this book. I expected more running and less musing and ranting about the environment and the State of the Earth. Really, really wanted to like this one, but it fell short. At least it was a relatively quick read.

This book may have been better served by a bit less stream of consciousness and a little more organization. I mean, I think about things on long runs too, like, do I want a cheeseburger, and how am I going to solve that little code dilemma at work on Monday. I don't put it in a book. If it's about a race and ultra running, then be that. If it's an environmentalist/quaker/the-planet-is-going-to-hell-in-a-handbasket book, then don't sell it as an ultra-runner book. Ed Ayres is an amazing ultra runner and I am a current Running Times subscriber, but this book wasn't what I expected.

[Dominika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Supposed to be a book about ultra-marathons, struggle with training regimes etc., so I chose this one for few runs as an audiobook. A simple stream of thoughts on the topic of sports development and running culture was somewhat enjoyable.
What I found disturbing - and maybe 'too much' for what was expected from this book - was the author divagating on, more or less, everything in human life. I sensed here frustrated 'I miss the old days' voice. Pollution, politcs, religion, processed food (and hunting 'culture' as a human true nature), obesity, athlete culture, mixed with thoughts on how these days everything is worse (i.e. TV gathering too much kids attention rather that playing outside).

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Henry David Thoreau was a distance runner, he could have been the author of this book. A combination of athletics, philosophy, culture, and lessons on sustainability. An exceptional book.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Please note-the info he shares is anecdotal and false sometimes. Fact check before using!

This book discusses a race this individual did in the 2001. It was very interesting ,but I would say he goes on monologues about things. As others mentioned-I really wanted to like this book-but it was really hard to stay focused with it.

I really wouldn't consider this an autobiography-it was more of a stream of concionsouness and opinions.

[Ron Dorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought back many wonderful (and painful) memories. The Longest Race revolves around the JFK 50 mile run along the Appalachian Trail and C & O Canal tow path. I first ran in this ultramarathon in the late 70's while living in the Washington DC area and continued to return and compete after moving to Boise, Idaho in 1983. Having finished 10 times, I am a member of the 500 mile club - and thus the many memories that Ed Ayres brought back for me. But this book is much more than a travelogue of the JFK 50 as Ed uses the race as a jumping off point for rumination about the state of the world, climate change, human endurance and a number of other thoughtful expositions. So not only highly recommended for ultra runners but for all who wish for a wide-ranging consideration of humans and their impact on this small globe.

[Martijn Reintjes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found I love listening to audiobooks about running when I am running.

The Longest Race takes an interesting view of how people should live their lives with long distance running as a parallel. Basically we are all domesticated pets and if we go back to our hunter-gathering days the world would become a better place.

Some of his biases where a bit cringe, but I liked the overal sentiment and listening about Ed's running life.

[Jeffrey Parr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected

I thought this book would be about him running the JFK50, but was more about history and the evolution of the human race.

[Briana Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Longest Race by Ed Ayers
⭐️⭐️

🏃‍♀️Overview: Memoir of author, Ed Ayers, who has run over 600 races across 55 years, most of which are longer than marathon distance of 26.2 miles/42.2 KMs.

📖 Genre: Memoir | Health | Well-being

👍Likes: Interesting to hear about this runners experiences running very long distances.

👎Dislikes: I was really looking forward to reading this book but it did not live up to my expectations! I found it went off topic, it was forgettable and nothing very memorable stood out! I was keen to hear about their lifestyle, training plan, nutrition etc. which it did not explore.

🎧Format: Audio via Audible

🤓Recommend For: Anyone interested to hear what the life of a long distance runner, or ultramarathoner, is like.

[Olivia Law]

I’m so conflicted about how to judge this book, because it was a good read, but quite overwritten, I found. The premise seemed to basically be a recap of the JFK 50-miler, but written as though a philosophical pondering on like… the state of Man, or something? It was trying to do and say a LOT, and I don’t think that this book had the time to do all that it could have. It’s rare that I think a book should be longer… but this one for sure could have been.

[Isabel Isik · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 star because he has some good points. Other than that it was very boring, especially for a non vegan, young runner... i kept zonning out while listening the audiobook.

[Michelle T · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a 3.5 book. I liked that it was a quick and easy read and that the author weaved in greater calls for action around sustainability, climate and life wonders in a seamless manner. I have so much respect for endurance sports and long distance running. This book reminded me of how free it feels to be engaged in training, the outdoors and just alive.

But did I feel like I learned a lot or was blown away by the creativity? Not really. It was good but not outstanding. I also have question marks around the suggestions and running techniques the author proposed (like running vertical? And leaning into cushioned shoes? Hmmm)

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very interesting parts in this book but it was filled with too many metaphors about running and evolution, anthropology, the environment, politics ... I wish he would have stuck to his story about running ultras.

"Temperature management is one of the trickiest skills a runner can learn."

"95% of a runner's success is achieved before he or she even goes to the starting line."

[Purple Osprey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was surprisingly interesting at the beginning, but then it started to repeat itself and got boring at times.
Most certainly, the author is entitled to his opinion, but to me it felt not so well thought out and full of broad generalizations. He keeps going on about how ancient people were more in tune with nature and could run a long distance and ate all the natural foods and so on, happily forgetting that more than likely none of those enlightened paleolithic people lived for more than 30 years. (He himself is 70)And you can only sustain a small population by hunting and gathering, so what? let's kill bigger half of the population off and live happily?
Technology bad, nature good.

It's just so black-and-white and unintelligent.

Got me really annoyed as you can tell :)

Could have just written about running.

[Kristinn Logi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fín bók. Þráðurinn er samanburður langhlaups og almennrar hegðunar og hugsunar mannskepnunnar í dag. Talar mikið um umhverfisþætti eins og global warming. Hlusta á líkamann og nota eigið hyggjuvit og vöðva í stað þess að treysta á hjálpartæki til að komast í gegnum daginn er eitthvða sem hann predikar endurtekið. Inn í allan boðskapinn fléttast svo upplifun hans af JFK 50 mile ultramarathon. Það er elsta ultramaraton USA sem hlaupið hefur verið á hverju ári síðan 1963. John F Kennedy skoraði á landgönguliða að hlaupa 50 miles á innan við 20 klst, auk þess voru aðrar áskoranir sem hann setti fram. Var þetta gert til að herða menn almennt. Þessari áskorun var hinsvegar breytt í keppni sem hefur haldist við síðan.

[James · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you believe all the crazy environmentalist predictions that the world is going to end in 10 years and that we are all doomed AND you are a runner,.. This book will appeal to you. The first half is a pretty decent memoir, but I kept having to cringe in certain parts. By the time I was 2/3 the way through, it was obvious that I was going to have a tough time finishing. But I did.

Had I known all the outrageous environmentalism that was sprinkled throughout this book I would never have bothered reading it. Ayres mentions several times and looks up to Paul Ehrlich and Mikhail Gorbachev. Both who have been so discredited that it is laughable.

If you are looking for a how-to, there are much better sources to seek out.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imagine you ask your old crotchety uncle to tell you about the last time he ran the JFK 50 mile race. He does, but he constantly interrupts himself with odd anecdotes and observations about how the world is just too darn fast these days.what with all those nuclear weapons, fast food places, trains and modern inventions like farming... really, people never should have left the caves. You get a little bit of a race report filled in with lots of stuff about how the world is going to hell in a hand basket which, while undoubtedly true, and very well documented isn't what I was looking for in this book.

[Sherman Criner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by someone who grew up during the running boom and was competitive. I particularly liked is as someone who enjoys endurance activities and further that the story was written with the backdrop of him competing in the JFK50 which I will be participating in later this year. The book appealed to me specifically but I am not sure if the story is compelling enough to stand alone for someone who is not a participant in endurance activities.

[Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice book by the founding editor and publisher of Running Times -- a magazine I vastly preferred to Runner's World. Less fluff and nonsense. This book traces his run of the JFK 50-miler, all the while weaving in life lessons, running wisdom, ideas on sociology, humanity, anthropology, evolution, and more. Thought provoking and deep.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stopped after 60 pages - too much bragging, name dropping, bitterness at the success of Born to Run, and not much on the topic the
book was supposedly covering.

[Sebastiaan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Longwinded rambling mixing climate change and a long trail run. There are some valuable nuggets of information but not worth the long read. Many better race experience books out there.

[Jeremy Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite interesting, but a bit tedious at times

[Nicholas Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

How did this book find me in 2020? Even more intriguing, how did I not know this book was written almost a decade ago...about a race run over two decades ago.

I guess that sums up the timelessness of this story. It’s an environmentalist runners’ perspective on the world. He flirts with philosophical breakthroughs and the relationship between humans and nature. In 1992 he told the world nature and humans were on a collision course. I’d say we’re still on that course.

This book won’t be for everyone. He blends his JFK ultramarathon story with reflections on climate change, war, religion, politics. He bounces around and, at first, I found it all too much. It was hard to break into the story.

As the story developed, I found a lot of his topics profound. His description of the relationship between Sport and War was fascinating. I’ve always wondered why Sport has become such a central part of modern civilization. Ayers proposes that maybe its because “sport can be exhausting, painful, disappointing, but at least it doesn’t leave us raped or dead, like the losers in a resource war. It allows us to compete with others without maiming or murdering them.”

Because it’s the JFK 50 mile ultramarathon, the setting is based in Western Maryland. Which is Civil War land. And as its the race first attempted because of JFK, there is a lot of talk about the Civil War and JFK. These bits were fine, but I think Ayers’ best chapters were when he was able to use running as the foundational base from which he espoused some solid life advice.

The more I read, the more I enjoyed the book. In fact, around page 50 I wrote this in the margin: “This book is not for everyone. It is hard to read. But funnily enough, this is the type of book I would want to write. Musings on life with running as my guide.” It has quietly become one of my favorite books.

[Matt Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was filled with memories and anecdotes — all of which I enjoyed! It was interesting to learn some of the history of ultra-running from the author’s mature perspective, as he looks back on a long career. I appreciated the down-to-earth and personal approach that he took, and it was nice to read a book about running that didn’t read like a string of advertisements for brand-name sports equipment or a list of the author’s superhuman accomplishments. Instead, it was a rather honest and very human glimpse into why we run. The book was just the right length and I enjoyed the rolling pace and short tangents interwoven around the framework of the JFK 50 miler. In fact, reading this book felt a lot like a long run with no earbuds, when you let your mind wander and watch it come back. I found it easy to relate to, and it contains some solid training advice and a prescient warning about climate change.

[Jaana · Rating 3 out of 5]

* I listened to the audiobook version of this *
So ... I finished it... I am not the target audience, but the abstract seemed very interesting.
And at first I really liked it. The flashbacks seemed proportional - or at least not distracting - and there seemed to be a very true and honest story.
However, the second half I felt was a lot weaker, it rambled and was vain and full of self-importance.
Still I will have warm feelings towards it, it is not hateful by any means, just a little misguided at parts.
Everything directly concerning the race - I loved. I liked the discussion on bio-mechanics and running fitness. I liked the sustainability parts and focus on "monoculture" and the parallel about mono-training. But I don't want to hear the phrase "persistence hunters" for at least 5 years.

[Paul O'farrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. The idea of using a race experience as a platform to spin off all kinds of thinking fits with my own experience of long distance running. BUT.... this is often insufferable. It is too verbose, too scattergun and - most damning - too pleased with itself. Ayres comes across as if he is patronising all readers, is the greatest human that ever lived and is far too keen to be dogmatic and pious about his own ideas. The problem is many of the ideas are not full formed, are flawed (is using a heart rate monitor really the equivalent of using performance enhancing drugs?) or selectively based on evidence.

The tone also is dry. There are some attempts at humour but the piety and self-congratulatory tone of much of the writing renders these attempts futile.

Great runner, poor writer