Long Run to Glory: The Story of the Greatest Marathon in Olympic History and the Women Who Made It Happen

by Stephen Lane

On the morning of August 5, 1984, four of the greatest marathoners of all time lined up for one of the most important and long-awaited races in history. By then, they had dominated their competition for at least five years, upending a century’s worth of preconceived notions of what marathoners could do. By decade’s end, they had lowered the world record a total of 13 minutes, won 27 major marathon titles, and swept every Olympic and World Championship held in the 1980s. And, in their careers, only once did all four—American Joan Benoit, Norwegians Grete Waitz and Ingrid Kristiansen, and Portugal’s Rosa Mota—square off in the same at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, in the first-ever Women’s Olympic Marathon. Such was their talent that Benoit, the world record holder, entered the race as the underdog. She’d had knee surgery in April, and no one, least of all Benoit herself, was certain she could hold up for 26 miles against her three rivals. Waitz, the former world record holder, was the favorite—she had destroyed the field at the 1983 World Championships and had never lost a marathon she had finished. Kristiansen, who had beaten Waitz twice in the summer of 1984 (albeit at shorter distances), was considered the fastest woman in the she held world records at 5,000m and 10,000m, and would break Benoit’s marathon record in 1985. Mota had beaten Kristiansen at the 1982 European marathon championships, and was already earning a reputation for raising her level in the biggest races. This is their story, and the story of the first women’s Olympic Marathon.

Genres: Nonfiction

296 pages, Hardcover

Published September 5, 2023

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to say about this book but really don't have time to right now. It was a happy accident that my library hold came through with just enough time for me to read it before the marathon trials this weekend. It felt fitting. I got emotional reading a lot of this.

There were things in here I knew. I've been in distance running long enough to know Bobbi Gibb and Katherine Switzer, and as a New Yorker, of course, Grete Waitz (and Fred Lebow). Long before I ever thought I could run a marathon myself, I knew Joan Benoit Samuelson just as a lifelong fan of the Olympics. But there was a lot about Waitz and Benoit that I didn't know, and I'd never heard of either Kristiansen or Mota before, as well as a great number of the women who came before, the pioneers who made the careers of these four women possible, even as so few of them are remembered today.

I think parts of this book might be a little dry if you aren't a runner, but I loved them. There was a lot I found interesting about how these women trained, and what is and isn't the same about the recommended training methods today. I loved reading about their racing strategies, and how each of them felt most comfortable. I'm really hoping I have some time this weekend to look for clips of the 84 race online. And someday I really need to go to Maine to do Beach to Beacon.

[Lindsey Hein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this!!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a runner myself, I found this book absolutely fascinating. The author does a great job explaining the history of running and the marathon in particular, and showcasing the absolutely phenomenal females who made their way into running and created a sport that so many other women want to partake in.

I thought the pacing was good, the amount of detail was good, and really appreciated the insights into the lives of the females going into the first marathon and how they got there. This book is an absolute must read for any fan of running!

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5! I didn’t really know anything about this marathon besides who won. Very cool to learn about the history of the race and more about the athletes who competed.

[Alison Fulmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting history of women and competitive running, especially the marathon. Written in a compelling manner with sections separated by descriptions of the 1984 Olympics, the first in which women were allowed to compete at that distance. I was a Wellesley freshman in 1973 and we gave out orange segments to the men but we screamed like crazy for the 8 women runners. The author seems to think there was always a scream tunnel, but it started when women were finally allowed to compete. The only dull chapter concerned the Olympic committee deliberations about allowing women. So many other committees, so many abbreviations… otherwise superb

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. Mind boggling that men didn’t think women could run longer than a mile in the 1970s. Really enjoyed learning more about the struggle to get the women’s marathon in the Olympics and the women athletes (those who paved the way as well as those who ran in the first Olympic marathon).

[Maine Colonial · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a native Mainer, I remember how excited I was to see Joan Benoit run in the first women’s Olympic marathon at the 1984 games in Los Angeles. Benoit’s home town is just a few miles from my own, and the whole state was rooting for her—sort of the way they do today for basketballer Cooper Flagg.

But before he gets to the race, author Stephen Lane tells us about the history of women’s distance running and the incredibly stupid notion men had until the late 20th century that it was unhealthy or even dangerous for women to run more than a couple of miles. This attitude prevailed for many years, despite all evidence to the contrary, until gradually women broke through in events like the Boston Marathon. By the time the 1984 Olympics rolled around, there would finally be a women’s marathon, and it would feature the four premier women in distance running: Benoit, Grete Waitz (Norway), Ingrid Kristiansen (Norway), and Rosa Mota (Portugal). If you were watching at the time, or you know your sports history, then you know that Benoit beat everyone handily, despite having previously only beaten Waitz once and also having had arthroscopic surgery only a short time before. She ran her race, which combined physical endurance and keen psychological insight.

Lane’s description of the Olympic marathon is gripping. Through his coverage of their careers, we get to know these four women and other early marathoners as people. It’s also rewarding to read about their lives after their competitive careers ended. I could have used less detail about the various athletic organizations and their machinations, but that’s a small complaint and that detail might be of interest to other readers.

[John Bagley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you were around in the 1980's the names will come back in a flood of memories. Kristiansen, Mota, Waitz, and, of course, Benoit. The '84 Olympics in L.A. were magical for many reasons and one of the greatest events, as I recall watching it, was the women's marathon. The story of that marathon, though, was preceded by numerous tales of greatness in cities like Boston, New York, London, and Chicago. These four women forged a path not only for women, but the running community at large. Road-racing became a popular sport and training for a marathon became something to emulate the great running heroes both women and men. One other note about this book is the telling of the tale of Fred Lebow who forever shaped the culture of the running community and road racing in general. I highly recommend this book as it offers great insight into the pain, agony, and elation of running.

[Dannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long Run to Glory by Stephen Lane is the story of four of the most influential women in the sport of running. The book chronicles the path they blazed for other women in the sport— detailing all of their accomplishments and set-backs along the way.

This book is both well written and meticulously researched. That research is seamlessly woven into the narrative. This attention to detail not only provides the reader with an engaging story, but also imparts a sense of authenticity, giving the book a solid foundation of credibility.

The arrangement of the interludes seamlessly connects the research and the story, keeping readers engaged and ensuring a smooth reading experience.

This book is a must-read for all lovers of the sport of running.

[Lee Koles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE book for the runner in your life.

I always naively believed that men and women were on equal footing when it came to running. I watched the 1984 Women's Olympic Marathon on TV as a child - recognizing that the race was epic (Benoit was sooooo far ahead!), but oblivious that it was historic. Stephen Lane's book details the grit, determination and passion-fueled battle to recognize, accept and (at last!) embrace women's distance running as a legitimate sport. This was a page-turner; Lane positions you in the leading pack of the greatest distance races of this era. He connects you to each personality - I felt like I knew these runners and understood their drive.

Now, these women join me on MY runs. I'm grateful to them - and to Stephen Lane, for sharing their story.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing novel. I was born a few years after the inaugural women's Olympic marathon, and knew very little about anyone who was featured in the novel before I read this. It was an incredibly compelling and inspiring story of so many wonderful women. It took me a bit longer to read because I was constantly looking up the people mentioned to learn more, or looking to find additional clips of the iconic moments that were discussed. I loved learning about what led up to this race. I loved learning about how various road races began and the perceptions of women racing at this time. I loved learning about the rivalries of Benoit, Waitz, Moto, and many others. I loved seeing how much these fierce rivals cared for each other. It is a great book for runners!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read about the women’s marathon in 1984 Olympics and the events that led up to it. In telling this story Stephen Lane provides a history of how women broke into long distance running, particularly marathons. The personal details about the runners let the reader get to know them and their personalities, dreams and strengths. Well researched and definitely worth reading even if you are not a runner.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me a while to read because non-fiction can be hard, but it was GREAT!. Like Grace, I knew some of this, but certainly not all, and not in detail.

Blown away again by how relatively recent some of this nonsense was. Women just aren't up for long distances, you all!! We've made a lot of progress!

[Vanessa Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. While the overall focus is the 1984 Olympic Women's Marathon, it highlights the numerous pioneers who paved the way for women's running (Switzer, Gibbs, Berman, Kusik), and the 4 main contenders at the LA Games (Benoit, Weitz, Mota, kristiansen). Even though I've read so many books on the history of women's running, I learned so much from this.

[Jennifer J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly anyone who is a runner, whether a woman or man, would love this book, especially if you have ever run a marathon, and even more so if you have run NYC or Boston (I have run neither). Don’t miss out on this well written history of running in America.

[Liz Gilden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story of these superstars!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because I love running.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important story, beautifully told, and meticulously researched. A wonderful read.

[Hannah Grothusen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women’s running always makes me cry

[Mary Pagones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! After so many books on the kings of the road of the 70s and 80s marathon boom, a story of the women who had a far steeper path to be recognized as worthy competitors. The book is bookended by a mile-by-mile account of running legend Joan Benoit Samuelson's outstanding victory in the first women's Olympic marathon in Los Angeles, where she remained ahead of the pack in brutally smoggy heat. However, there are many famous races chronicled in the book, including Bobbi Gibb's running of the Boston marathon in disguise as a man, Kathrine Switzer being nearly pulled off the course. But the most compelling figure in the book for me was Benoit, described as "Maine lobsterman tough," training through freezing Maine winters, suffering horrific knee injuries and rebounding to run 100 miles a week in training (a doctor once put her in a walking cast more to prevent her from running the day after surgery than out of necessity for healing), who emerges as the most compelling figure. She wore a Red Sox cap winning the Boston Marathon and when she won the Olympics marathon it was announced at the L.L. Bean store in Maine. It doesn't get more New England Strong than that.

The book's epilogue details Grete Waitz, the silver medalist of the '84 marathon, taking a final run of the NY Marathon she owned for many years, with Fred Lebow, essentially the "father" of the NY Marathon, when he was in his dying days.

Many great stories--perhaps almost too many, and too many personalities, which is why I rated it 4*--it is a little dry because of its historical chronicling, versus books which focus only on a single race or a few sports personality. However, a very important text that will stand the test of time, unlike many of the recently published running books I've read lately.

[Maddie Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this right after completing my first half-marathon and I loved reading this and learning about all of the women who paved the way and changed the world of women’s distance running! Highly recommend!