Runner in Red: A Search for the First Woman to Run a Marathon in America

by Tom Murphy

A reporter and an ex-baseball-player-turned-cameraman search for a mysterious runner in this page-turning mystery inspired by a real-life Boston Marathon legend.

In 1951 a group of Canadian runners insisted they saw a woman sneak into the 1951 Boston Marathon, when women were forbidden to run. If true, that would make her the first woman to run a marathon on American soil. She wore "red," as claimed by the Canadian runners who say they tried to bring the matter to the attention of race officials. But to no avail, their contention was never proven, and so today the "Runner in Red" remains a mystery and an urban legend. A period piece set against the backdrop of the 2000 Boston Marathon, the Millennial marathon, "Runner in Red' is fictional mystery novel  as well as a love story, family drama and uplifting tale of the human spirit that explores the history of women's running in page-turning fashion. The authori is contributing proceeds to support a cure for lung cancer which takes the lives of more women than any other cancer. See runnerinred.com for full details.

"A great story of three amazing women."—Bill Rodgers, four-time winner of the Boston Marathon

 "Moves faster than a speeding bullet through the streets of Boston."—Katherine Switzer, first registered woman runner of the Boston Marathon (1967)

 "An entertaining, fast-paced mystery thriller."—Jack Fultz, winner of the 1976 Boston Marathon

  "A magical story!"—Uta Pippig, three-time Boston Marathon women's champion (1993-1995)

208 pages, ebook

Published April 1, 2018

Reviews

[Lorrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving this one a very generous 4 when it’s very close to a 3. Thing is, this story was really very, very rough to begin with. Halfway into the book & it was still a struggle, so much a pain that I had put it down & picked it up for over 2 weeks. Then, like a miracle, the story became very good. I didn’t want to put it down. I’m not sure what the non-running/non-race sect might think about this book, but I really enjoyed it.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blending real Boston Marathon history with legends and fictional characters, this was a fun read that focused on several female runners with ties to the Boston Marathon. I always find books set in Boston that are written by someone who clearly knows the city and incorporate familiar landmarks fun - for instance at one point two characters go for a run on the Charles River and I could envision the scene and the route perfectly. The mystery of the Runner in Red was intriguing and while it took me a bit to get into the family drama storyline, I found the ending to be very satisfying. I honestly would have loved even more on the marathon/running end of the spectrum! This was the perfect post marathon read.

[Libby Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true page turner! The plot captured my attention as the mystery unfolds about the lady in red. The woman in the novel push through obstacles with sheer grit! The ending caught me by surprise. Murphy knows how to keep the reader engaged but saves the best for last.
A great book filled with lessons of love and courage!

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and a great story especially around Marathon Monday!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because of certain character interactions, I was very skeptical of this book at first. I’m very glad I stuck with it. Intriguing and very fast paced.

[George Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent novel about the 1951 Boston Marathon legend. Several Canadian Boston Marathon runners reportedly witnessed a female runner in red running the Boston Marathon. This group reported their sighting to marathon officials who basically disregarded their report. If true this female runner becomes the first female to complete a marathon on US soil. Tom Murphy created a great novel around this lady in red sighting. An excellent story.