Book review - Running's strangest tales by Iain Spragg

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On one of my recent trawls through the nether regions of Amazon I came across this small gem: Running's strangest tales by Iain Spragg. I was in search of running books I had not yet read and this came along on my fifteenth click of the NEXT button.

The author has put together a miscellany of stories and anecdotes from the world of running. At times funny, at others beguiling, it covers elite athletes, amateurs and everything in between. It covers marathons, sprinting, cross country, obstacle courses and any other type of run you can imagine.

From running naked to being attacked by animals, people knitting 12 foot scarves while competing in a marathon to Olympians being too drunk to complete the course, it has something for everyone.

I found it a good book to pick up and put down when I had a spare few minutes. There are 95 tales altogether, each no longer than two pages. It is quite a feat of research and editing. 

My favourite chapters include:

Lily Groom winning the London to Brighton race while pushing her two year old child in a pram. She completed the 52 mile distance in 12 hours and 20 minutes at the age of 40.

The 1992 study that showed long distance runners were more likely to have girl babies rather than boys (and are deemed more attractive by the opposite sex - but then we all knew that didn't we.)

Lloyd Scott running an underwater marathon beneath the waters of Loch Ness.

The Impossible 5k which allows people to finish the race before they start by running over the time when the clocks are turned back thus achieving a PB that can never be broken.

Tony Phoenix-Morrison who ran from John O'Groats to Lands End with a fridge on his back.

The stories are organised over time beginning in 720 BC and culminating in 2015. Doubtless more could be added from the last five years such as that of Elisha Nochamovitz who ran a marathon on his 7m balcony during lockdown.

If you are looking for a light hearted look at the world of running or a gift for a runner in your life then this is a good choice. Beware though that once you have started reading it is hard to put it down again.

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