Description
How a Russian doctor and Billy Butlin brought Britain to the side of the road
"I very much enjoyed this book. A wonderfully accessible look at the development and history of marathons, with particular emphasis on the difficult and enigmatic Barbara Moore." Wishing Shelf
In 1960, Britain was swept by a craze for marathons, embodied in an eccentric 56-year-old Russian: motorcycle champion, former Leningrad death row inmate, radical dietician Dr Barbara Moore. Keen to exploit this new fad, holiday camp pioneer Billy Butlin organised the first and indeed only walking/running race from John O'Groats to Land's End. Despite opposition, 715 participants started off, with the hardiest captivating the nation during that drab winter. A fascinating and quirky story of daring, entrepreneurship, and good old 'British pluck': a story that deserves re-telling for the modern audience.
The first chapter of The Great Billy Butlin Race (titled The Footsloggers), was shortlisted for the inaugural Writers &Artists Working-Class Writers' Prize.
Author: Robin Richards
Publisher: Stairwell Books
Published: 06/01/2021
Pages: 182
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.52lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.42d
ISBN13: 9781913432089
ISBN10: 1913432084
BISAC Categories:
- History | Europe | Great Britain | 20th Century
- Sports & Recreation | History
- Sports & Recreation | Walking
This title is not returnable