To excel at just one thing is ambition enough. The true distinction of Chris Brasher’s life, however, is the sheer number of his achievements. This was a man who quite simply, made history, beginning when a young man and continuing until the end of his life. Together with Chris Chataway he paced Roger Bannister to break the four-minute mile in 1954. He won an Olympic Gold in Melbourne in 1956. He invented the Brasher walking boot, which claimed to bring the comfort of the running shoe to long distance hiking and made him a millionaire (for a second time).  

These days the London Marathon is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. That the London Marathon exists at all is thanks to Chris Brasher. He founded it, inspired by the experience of competing in the New York Marathon, overcoming the scepticism of the authorities and the vast logistical problems. The London Marathon is his true legacy. 

John Bryant, who was one of Brasher’s closest friends, has written a full biography of this truly remarkable and singular man. Here was a man who reached beyond his grasp his whole life long – a true hero of our time.

Product Code: Chris Brasher Book