FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"Marine Corps Marathon A Running Tradition"
By George Banker
Foreword by Jeff Galloway
About the Book
Marine Corps Marathon: A Running Tradition captures the soul of the Marine
Corps Marathon (MCM) and explains what "The People's Marathon" represents.
The book is written from the heart and by those who have a personal
connection to the race, the race directors and runners. This book
represents an indispensable piece of literature for runners and spectators.
What makes this race so special is that the organization of the marathon is
treated like a military maneuver and the race course becomes the battle
site. The experience of planning and structuring military tasks helps the
Marine Corps to perfectly organize this event.
More than 330,000 runners have crossed the finish line since 1976. Their
stories are captured within these pages: including their joy and triumph,
as well as their mental and physical pain, which they endured while
covering 26.2 miles. To support the text is a collection of pictures dating
as far back as 1976. There are top athletes who run alongside amateur
runners, as well as celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey. The marathon
includes the Ad Hoc Publicity Committee of the Marine Corps Marathon, the
Special Olympics, the Ground Pounders, the Challenge Cup, and the Charity
Partners. The appendices are an extensive collection of race statistical
facts and top performances. Included are the names of the leadership from
the Marine Corps and the marathon office. The heart of the race is in the
heart of the runners.
"Great book about the history of the Marine Corps Marathon, "The People's
Marathon." I had a chance to meet George Banker at the 2007 Marine Corps
Marathon. Recommend for all who have run this great Marathon", James R.
Tygrest, Jr. (Sunny Florida).
About the Author
TSgt. George Banker, U.S. Air Force Reserves (retired), serves on the Ad
Hoc Publicity Committee of the Marine Corps Marathon as the historian. He
is a journalist and photographer. He received 14 military decorations,
including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm, and Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal. He was raised in a Marine Corps family. Banker is an avid
runner who completed 78 marathons, including 26 Marine Corps Marathons and
the JFK 50 Miler (4 times). He is a senior writer for the Runner's Gazette,
a correspondent and photographer for the National Master News, Running
Journal and the Washington Running Report. Inductee into the DC Road
Runners Hall of Fame 2006, member of the Track & Field Writers
Association., and Brooks I.D. Program.
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