Marathon: A Novel

Celebrity X (more famous than Oprah) departs Rome on a private jet bound for the Lake City Marathon. Race director Peter McDonald arrives at the Expo for an inter-view with TV reporter Christine Ferrara, new in town. Peter and Christine find love almost immediately, but when will she learn the dark secret that clouds his life? Thus begins the fascinating 72-hour countdown to the Lake City Marathon, a race beset by problems: Will Peter lose his sponsor and job? Will hot weather threaten the health of runners? Can he keep the identity of Celebrity X secret? And for Chris-tine: Why is Nami the supermodel clinging to Peter s side? The race up front pits fast Kenyans against twin brothers from Minnesota. Among the women, the sudden loss of the world record holder opens the door for a flirtry Irishwoman and an unheralded podiatrist, who has not raced since injuries cancelled her college career. Back in the pack, Nani raises money for charity, a New York Times reporter chases Celebrity X, and once-married color commentators bicker their way through the telecast. Marathon, amazingly, is Hal Higdon s first novel, told in the grand tradi-tion of fact/fiction books by James Michener (Hawaii, The Source) and Arthur Hailey (Hotel, Airport). Whether runner, veteran, newcomer, or someone who has a friend who runs, Marathon will shock and surprise you as it uncovers the drama and intrigue behind the roadrunner s sport.