Posted: November 12, 2007

Athletics (RWire): "Marine Corps Marathon: A Running Tradition" Captures the Event

Marine Corps Marathon: A Running Tradition by George Banker captures the soul of the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) and explains what "The People's Marathon" represents. The book is written from the heart and by those who have a personal connection to the race, the race directors and runners. This book represents an indispensable piece of literature for runners and spectators. What makes this race so special is that the organization of the marathon is treated like a military maneuver and the race course becomes the battle site. The experience of planning and structuring military tasks helps the Marine Corps to organize this high quality event. More than 330,000 runners have crossed the finish line since 1976. Their stories are captured within these 200 pages: including their joy and triumph, as well as their mental and physical pain, which they endured while covering 26.2 miles. To support the text is a collection of pictures dating as far back as 1976. There are top athletes who run alongside amateur runners, as well as celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey. The marathon includes the Ad Hoc Publicity Committee of the Marine Corps Marathon, the Special Olympics, the Ground Pounders, the Challenge Cup and the Charity Partners. The appendices are an extensive collection of race statistical facts and top performances. Included are the names of the leadership from the Marine Corps and the marathon office. The heart of the race is in the heart of the runners. About the Author TSgt. George Banker, U.S. Air Force Reserves (retired), serves on the Ad Hoc Publicity Committee of the Marine Corps Marathon as the historian. He is a journalist and photographer. He has received 14 military decorations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was raised in a Marine Corps family. Banker is currently the Operations Manager for the Army Ten-Miler, the largest 10 mile road race in the United States. He coordinates the race site logistics at the Pentagon and sets the race organizational plans. Banker is an avid runner who completed 65 marathons, including 23 Marine Corps Marathons and the JFK 50 Miler. He is a senior writer for the Runner's Gazette, a correspondent and photographer for the National Master News, Running Journal and the Washington Running Report. To purchase or for more information, visit: MCMhistory.com or contact George Banker at monkbank@comcast.net. Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director (805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016 Ryan@RunningUSA.org www.RunningUSA.org. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest