More than one million people will run in an organized marathon this year, and fifty million more will cheer them on. Around the world, the distance is the same: 26.2 punishing miles. The marathon is the world’s fastest-growing individual sport. It has immortalized heroes, ignited scandals and created a multi-billion-dollar shoe industry. 26.2 traces the history of this classic endurance test and its place in popular culture. Powerful images and text capture the grueling physical demands as well as the thrill of crossing the finish line. For anyone who has run a marathon or dreams of doing so, 26.2 is the ultimate tribute and inspiration.

KATHRINE SWITZER won the 1974 New York City Marathon. She has appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America and the BBC and is an Emmy Award–winning sports commentator.

ROGER ROBINSON has been an elite runner for thirty years. A senior writer for Running Times, he has contributed to running publications around the world.