The River Road: Becoming a Runner in 1972 - Paperback

by Dennis Barker (Author)

THE RIVER ROAD is an evocative novel of becoming a runner in 1972. Filled with compelling stories of runners, running, history, the 1972 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials and the Munich Olympics, it brings to life an era in which the U.S. competed for gold in nearly every distance running event. As many of the sport's icons dominate their events in Eugene and prepare for Munich, fifteen-year-old Lenny prepares for his first season of varsity cross country. Inspired by Jim Ryun, Frank Shorter and Steve Prefontaine, Lenny also learns that Olympic distance runners have come from Minnesota and trained on the same River Road on which he runs. A world of running lore that he never knew existed is opened to him and helps him begin to explore and realize his own ability to run.

Author Biography

Dennis Barker was an All-State cross country and track runner for St. James High School in Minnesota. He was a NJCAA All-American in cross country and track for Golden Valley Lutheran College and ran cross country and track for Iowa State University. He has coached All-State runners at the high school level, NCAA All-Americans at the college level, and an Olympian at the professional level of the sport.