Vassos Alexander is one of the best-known sports reporters in the UK. For a long time the main sports voice on BBC Radio 2, he's now on Virgin with the Chris Evans Breakfast Show. Vassos is also the author of the bestselling Don't Stop Me Now: 26.2 Tales of a Runner's Obsession, published by Bloomsbury.
SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS HEALTH & FITNESS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2019
RUNNING AWARDS 2019 - TOP BOOK
Running Up That Hill is a celebration of endurance running. Of running ridiculous distances - through cities, over mountains and across countries. Distances most people couldn't even imagine. But sports presenter Vassos Alexander is hooked!
Why else would he run an ultra in Paris, backwards, having missed the start? Why head to Wales for the world's hardest mountain race with a badly sprained ankle? And why follow in some unforgiving, ancient footsteps and attempt the oldest and toughest footrace on earth, the 153-mile Spartathlon?
There's joy to be found here. Really there is. Vassos recalls his own assaults on these gruelling races, along with ultra-running legends including Scott Jurek, Jasmin Paris, Kilian Jornet, Mimi Anderson and Dean Karnazes. They all testify to the transformative power of endurance running.
It's about the astonishing highs that come from pushing your body to the limit. The confidence and peace when you challenge yourself and succeed. All told, this is a cracking tale of what keeps ultra-distance runners running, mile after mile after mile.
This quirky and entertaining book is a great gift for any runner or for anyone looking for inspiration to get started ... impressive and exciting.
An entertaining read that covers challenges including the 250km Spartathalon and the 100 mile SDW100, via the occasional missing toenail and having to temporarily use a zimmer frame.
A witty, informative and authentic narrative about Alexander's experience of longer-distance running adventures!
An enjoyable love letter to the confidence and transformation to be found in long distance running.
