FIFTY-TWO: Birth of a Soul Runner
Looking out across the rooftops of Hamilton City to the distant Kaimai Ranges and Maungatautari Mountain on New Year’s Day 2017, Campbell Forlong had no idea that instead of just ticking off these two running challenges from his bucket list, something bigger was about to happen in his 52nd year. After he’d completed three random marathon runs on consecutive weekends, his brother Paul phoned. “I see you’ve run three marathons in three weeks – you planning to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks?” he asked, half joking. It was all the invitation Campbell needed.
What followed was an utterly life-changing adventure – running in the heat of the equator in the Republic of Congo, following wolf tracks in the snow in the Canadian Rockies, exploring the banks of the Seine to see the sun rise on the Eiffel Tower, returning home to discover unequalled beauty and peace on the backstreets of his hometown at midnight, and on many of New Zealand’s mountain trails.
Along the way, during that year an equally important pursuit took place as Campbell began a journey into the meaning of love. How to love and be loved became even more important than distances and destinations – it was the birth of a soul runner.
The true story of mid-packer Campbell Forlong's 52 marathons in 52 weeks in his 52nd year on the planet. More than a running book, FIFTY-TWO introduces the reader to a bunch of great people and beautiful places, provides some good laughs with a few good yarns, and most of all is a call to live and love well.
SHIPPING: Please note that there are set prices for NZ POST standard shipping within New Zealand. If your delivery address is outside New Zealand, please use the email form on the HOME page to request a shipping rate for your address.
The true story of mid-packer Campbell Forlong's 52 marathons in 52 weeks in his 52nd year on the planet. More than a running book, FIFTY-TWO introduces the reader to a bunch of great people and beautiful places, provides some good laughs with a few good yarns, and most of all is a call to live and love well.
Hardcover is a Limited Edition - all images in colour.
SHIPPING: Please note that there are set prices for NZ POST standard shipping within New Zealand. If your delivery address is outside New Zealand, please use the email form on the HOME page to request a shipping rate for your address.
Tales of ordinary people doing extraordinary things are always inspiring, and this one is no exception. Told with disarming honesty, this authentic account of one man conjuring up a rather bonkers idea, then having the tenacity to see it through, is truly uplifting. What ultimately impresses is not just Campbell’s remarkable physical achievement but the spirit and ‘joie de vivre’ in which he undertook the challenge. Like a great ‘feel good’ movie, this book takes us through the full range of emotions, leaving us believing that anything is possible if we are just brave enough to give it a crack. A highly recommended read for runners and non-runners alike.
Mal Law, Adventurer, Fundraiser and Coach.
Creator of New Zealand’s Wild Things Trail Directory, author of One Step Beyond, and the guy who pulled off the ‘7 in 7’ (the seven NZ Great Walks in seven days) and the ‘High Five-0’ (50 NZ Peaks in 50 days) challenges for charity.