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  • Marathon Man

  • My Life, My Father's Stroke and Running 35 Marathons in 35 Days
  • By: Alan Corcoran
  • Narrated by: Alan Corcoran
  • Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (43 ratings)
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Marathon Man cover art

Marathon Man

By: Alan Corcoran
Narrated by: Alan Corcoran
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Summary

"The best running books have character, an amazing tale and passion. This ticks all those boxes and more." (Trail Running Magazine)

"A must-read for 2022." (Irish Runner Magazine)

"An intimate and uplifting story of grit, tenacity and healing and one that is sure to stir the soul." (Dean Karnazes)

Marathon Man is an uplifting story of an extraordinary achievement - all the more inspiring given that the author was an inexperienced long-distance runner and only 20 when embarking on his mission to run 35 marathons in 35 consecutive days. After an introduction to Corcoran's Irish upbringing, he responds to the shock of his dad's stroke, by getting active, creating positive from negative and raising money for charity. Alan faced many obstacles along the road - beyond the sheer physical endurance challenge of running 1,500 kilometres around Ireland's coast. He candidly submerges the listener into his world with an endearingly light touch, showing how through sheer perseverance, you can achieve your objectives. Alan's Irish humour, positivity, and pure determination shine through this new sports memoir. Whatever your challenge, this motivational story will show you that you can succeed.

"...a timely reminder that life is to be seized." (Irish Independent)

"A charming, detailed running account that should appeal to fans of endurance stories...sense of humour throughout." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Alan Corcoran's book is definitely different...engaging...refreshing." (Reedsy - 5/5)

"An inspirational tale." (Athletics Weekly)

"For runners and non-runners alike...a well-structured and well-edited memoir written with an admirable level of openness and honesty...touching, meaningful and cautionary tale." (Indie Reader, 4.5/5)

"Bravo!" (Eddie Jordan OBE)

"Inspiration for anyone to raise the bar on their own fitness goals." (Men's Fitness Magazine

©2021 Alan Corcoran (P)2021 Alan Corcoran

Critic reviews

"A fantastic read." (Love Reading, the UK's leading book recommendation website)

"An intimate and uplifting story of grit, tenacity and healing and one that is sure to stir the soul." (Dean Karnazes, New York Times best-selling author and ultra-distance runner) 

"The best running books have character, an amazing tale and passion. This ticks all those boxes and more." (Trail Running Magazine)

What listeners say about Marathon Man

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if you enjoy running and Ireland and the accent...

Enjoyed it thoroughly. Its my 3rd proper audiobook I have finished. First was can't hurt me, then living with a SEAL. Wanted a running book and thought that this was relatable. I live in Ireland and have done x3 marathons last year for fundraising with suboptimal preparation and in the harsh weather. My times were about 5.00-5.15hrs, felt brutal during and after my December one. This book was a good reminder of going through that.

I'm finding I need extra kick in the arse to go running and I think this has helped.

He tells the story well. I like the dynamic he has with his support team and I especially appreciated the fella who did his first 3 marathons in that one week.

Some funny parts. Make you smile parts
Feel good story.

As soon as I finished it I listened to keep your head up by Ben Howard on a few times...a personal favourite of mine too.

A good book to help you realise that we are all capable of more than we think, and that 'showing up' and getting it (runs, practice, diet, sleep, marathons, sacrifices) done builds character and immense satisfaction.

I'm rambling so I'll stop

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Authentic, honest, amazing tale

It's great to hear an audiobook read by the author, it makes this amazing tale even more compelling and authentic. Alan's story is as much about the challenges of logistics and fundraising as actually running and I loved learning about his whole journey. It's funny and charming and real and there's loads to learn from his experiences - what to do and what not to do! He's likeable and honest and what he achieved was amazing. I listened to alot of this audiobook whilst out running and was so grateful to only be doing one 5km, not 35 marathons in 35 days!! A great listen for your long runs or commutes.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Inspiring tale of persevere, will and triumph

Marathon Man by Alan Corcoran is an inspirational tale of Alan's life journey culminating in his success in running 35 marathon's in 35 days across the island of Ireland.

With warming humour that comes from the honesty of life, its hard to not have a smile on your face as you read this book and go along with Alan in his journey.

As Alan recounts his own life and the ups and downs that came his way, his experiences become a font of wisdom for the listener. The importance of family, the positive influence we can have on others, the values of small steps, allowing our negative experiences to shape us positively, and sometimes just showing up are but a few of the insights we gain from listening to his story.

Alan's story is full of challenges, setbacks, and at times, heartbreak, but whatever comes his way, Alan gets back up and overcomes, because as we learn, its not about the time, its about finishing.

I would highly recommend this book either in audio or book format, and is a must read for anyone looking to move forward and run the marathon that is life.

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Inspiring Read / Listen!

Finished this in a couple days! As an amateur athlete and a fellow Waterford native I found it both inspiring and emotional to read! During the opening chapters I thought what is this maniac up to but out the course of the book I saw with careful planning this was something Alan had to do, almost like his life's mission! I cannot wait to read the next book about his swim! I'd recommend anyone who has any crazy ventures in mind have a read of this, it tells a tale that once you set your mind and you're determined to get something done, you will see results, nevermind the few hiccups along the way, they're there to challenge you and make you stronger!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I really enjoyed this book

I really enjoyed this book. The author is very likeable and I really enjoyed listening to the story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Not Just for Athletes

Enjoyable listen. I've only ever made it to 5k so this was such an insight into a totally different world. I was knocked back by the negative interactions with the charity but I was blown away by the overall achievement and how Alan made a success of it. I felt like the reader gets a meet and greet with Alan's dad along the way too. It was fun, real and insightful and I learned a lesson on true determination.

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Authentic narration of an inspiring challenge!

Funny, inspiring and authentic storytelling. Alan's remarkable challenge is well captured in this entertaining audiobook

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

journey to finding yourself

the Journey of finding who you really are comes from the history you've been through in life, although nit life changing completely. this book give you grat insight into how you or anyone who is interested in going in an endurance journey and start with just on foot at a time. you don't have to be and elite to complete these arduous attempts. 35 / 35 should've got more publicity and I really think the charity organiser should've had more faith in Alan. thanks to his faithful friends and crew who help hi. complete it. Great book and great getting into the mind of someone who knows what and fights for what he wants.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great story of triumph against the odds

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook from start to finish. There were a lot of highs and lows along the way for Alan but he showed great strength and determination with his challenge. As a listener it was great hearing of his journey in places I have been to around Ireland and the people he met along the way who were inspired to challenge themselves and it really got me in the mood to get back into running.
I finished it within 5 days, way quicker than I have for any other audiobook as it kept me interested the whole way along.

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Great story. Great Achievement

I enjoyed Alan's Story and also enjoyed hearing it read by Alan himself.. Great achievement 👏

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