Every third Monday each April since 1897, the fastest endurance athletes in the world converge on Boston, Massachusetts to run planet Earth’s most prestigious road race, the Boston Marathon. What began with fifteen runners toeing the start on a dirt road is now a global phenomenon, attracting millions of online viewers, more than 500,000 spectators, and 30,000 of the fastest athletes from 120 countries around the world. Books chronicle its storied history. Memoirs highlight its penchant for self-transformation. The Unofficial Boston Marathon Handbook takes a different tack, delivering everything we need to know – how to prepare, what to wear, how to qualify, where to celebrate, who to emulate, how to race, and everything else critical (and not so critical) – to ensure race-day success.

In a reverent yet tongue-in-cheek style, The Unofficial Boston Marathon Handbook educates and entertains in equal measure. Marc W. Pollina presents us with the definitive field guide to the Boston Marathon for participants, aspirants on the cusp of participating, and athletes who dream of participating. The Unofficial Boston Marathon Handbook features tips on getting in, training, navigating Boston and the runners’ expo, racing through each town, celebrating after the finish, shaking off the post-race blues, and figuring out what challenge to pursue next in one entertaining package.