Once a Runner cover art

Once a Runner

 Preview

Audible Standard 1-month free trial

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo + applicable tax after 30-day trial. Cancel Anytime
Try for $0.00
More purchase options

Once a Runner

Written by: John L. Parker Jr.
Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor
Try for $0.00

$8.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $22.56

Buy Now for $22.56

About this listen

 Once a Runner captures the essence of what it means to be a competitive runner; to devote your entire existence to a single-minded pursuit of excellence. It has become one of the most beloved sports novels ever written. Originally self-published in 1978 and sold at road races out of the trunk of the author's car, reading the book became a rite of passage for many runners, and tattered copies were handed down like sacred texts from generation to generation.

Once a Runner is the story of Quenton Cassidy, a collegiate runner at fictional Southeastern University whose lifelong dream is to run a four-minute mile. He is less than a second away when the political and cultural turmoil of the Vietnam War era intrudes into the staid recesses of his school's athletic department. After he becomes involved in an athletes' protest, Cassidy is suspended from his track team.

Under the tutelage of his friend and mentor, Bruce Denton, a graduate student and former Olympic gold medalist, Cassidy gives up his scholarship, his girlfriend, and possibly his future to withdraw to a monastic retreat in the countryside and begin training for the race of his life: a head-to-head match with the greatest miler in history.

This audiobook is a rare insider's account of the incredibly intense lives of elite distance runners; an inspiring, funny, and spot-on tale of one man's quest to become a champion.

©2009 John L Parker (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc. Coming of Age Exercise & Fitness Fiction Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Running & Jogging Sports Funny

What the critics say

"The best novel ever written about running." ( Runner's World)

Continue the series
Again to Carthage cover art
Again to Carthage Written by: John L. Parker Jr.
All stars
Most Relevant
I'm always amazing by how well this book truly describes the feeling of running and racing. John L Parker made me feel as if I were there. In Quinten's kangaroo shoes, in the stands watching a good old footrace, or in the ubsurd antics of Doobey hall. I love this book as much as the next runner. Or someone who was, once a runner.

The Feeling of Running Captured in Words

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Great story about the life, struggles and joys of a runner, inspirational and passionately narrated.

Great iconic book!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.